October 04, 2007
Italian Hostage Shot During Rescue Dies
Sad news from Italy: The Italian soldier who was kidnapped in Afghanistan and wounded in a rescue attempt has died from his injuries. Via AP:
ROME (AP) — An Italian intelligence agent who was kidnapped with a colleague in Afghanistan and wounded during a rescue operation died Thursday, the Defense Ministry said.The man had been put on a respirator after he was wounded in the NATO-led raid on Sept. 24, a few days after he and the colleague were abducted.
He died in a military hospital in Rome, the ministry said. His colleague was also wounded, although not seriously.
The death was likely to reinforce calls for the withdrawal of Italy's 2,000-strong contingent in Afghanistan.
Premier Romano Prodi has so far resisted the calls by radical leftists, who are in his ruling coalition. He has also defended his decision to stage the daring rescue operation, saying that "any other option would have been worse."
Prayers for his family and for his fellow soldiers, especially those who participated in the rescue operation. His blood is on the hands of the terrorists who abducted him, not the brave men who risked their lives to free him. I hope the Italian government won't dishonor his memory by giving in to Taliban demands. Whether they stay or go in Afghanistan should be a decision based on the Italian people's understanding of their national interests and responsibilities, not on the threats of kidnappers and murderers.
