Hostages Free!

Canadian commandos played a role in the rescue of three Western peace workers held hostage in Iraq, as well as the Canadian Mounties.

After almost four months of captivity, Canadians James Loney, 41, and Harmeet Singh Sooden, 32, were freed along with Briton Norman Kember, 74, during a raid by multinational forces northwest of Baghdad this morning. No shots were fired and no kidnappers were captured in the operation.

Military operation frees 2 Canadian hostages in Iraq

Reports say Canada's top secret commandos, Joint Task Force 2, had been working in Iraq. It's believed they worked in tandem with Britain's elite Special Air Service (SAS).

JTF2


In a midday address to public service workers in Ottawa, Harper said Canadian agencies were involved on the ground, but didn't offer any specifics.

Hostage's rescue the end of a nightmare, says brother


He offered thanks to "a number of Canadian departments and agencies that worked on this delicate operation with their British, American and Iraqi counterparts and played an important role in ensuring the success of this operation."

"You did excellent work and Mr. Loney and Mr. Sooden asked me to thank you for the assistance," said Harper, who spoke to the two former hostages earlier in the day.

God speed, to each of these brave men and peace to their fallen comrad.

Later
Kenaz