Obama knew of Special Forces victory before speech

Published January 25, 2012 5:00am ET



Good job tonight.” President Obama said to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta last night, according to the Associated Press, as he entered the U.S. Capitol to deliver his State of the Union address. Obama was referring to the successful mission to rescue Jessica Buchanan, a hostage captured in Somolia.

During his speech, the president highlighted the Special Forces mission to capture and kill Osama bin Laden, encouraging all members of Congress to work in a similar way, together as a team, to move the country forward.

This morning, the president released a statement on the successful mission:

On Monday, I authorized an operation to rescue Jessica Buchanan, an American citizen who was kidnapped and held against her will for three months in Somalia. Thanks to the extraordinary courage and capabilities of our Special Operations Forces, yesterday Jessica Buchanan was rescued and she is on her way home. As Commander-in-Chief, I could not be prouder of the troops who carried out this mission, and the dedicated professionals who supported their efforts.

Jessica Buchanan was selflessly serving her fellow human beings when she was taken hostage by criminals and pirates who showed no regard for her health and well-being. Last night I spoke with Jessica Buchanan’s father and told him that all Americans have Jessica in our thoughts and prayers, and give thanks that she will soon be reunited with her family. The United States will not tolerate the abduction of our people, and will spare no effort to secure the safety of our citizens and to bring their captors to justice. This is yet another message to the world that the United States of America will stand strongly against any threats to our people.