AFR: Obama approved force to rescue pirate hostage
13 Apr 2009 6:03 AM
WASHINGTON, April 12 AP - US administration officials say President Barack Obama approved the military operation that rescued a US sea captain held hostage by Somali pirates.
The officials say Obama ordered the Defence Department to use military resources to rescue Richard Phillips from a lifeboat off the Somali coast.
The officials discussed this information on the condition of anonymity because they were not yet authorised to disclose the president's decision-making process.
Obama praised the captain for his bravery and courage. The president also said the United States needs help from other countries to deal with the threat of piracy and to hold pirates accountable.
