After 12 hours of confrontation in the American Church hijacking, the police have managed to rescue the hostages and kill the kidnappers

On the 15th local time, a hostage-taking incident occurred in a synagogue in Colliville, Texas. ABC quoted people familiar with the matter as saying that a suspect had taken 4 hostages, including a rabbi, at a synagogue in Colleyville that morning. The kidnappers claimed to be carrying a bomb. After nearly 12 hours of confrontation, the police managed to rescue the hostages and kill the kidnappers.

The hostage abduction incident occurred on the morning of the 15th. ABC reported that on the same day, a Bass Israel Congregational Church in Colleyville was conducting Sabbath worship and broadcast live on Facebook. Suddenly, an armed man broke in and took 4 hostages. The kidnappers claimed to be carrying a bomb. SWAT officers then arrived, began negotiations with the kidnappers, and evacuated nearby residents. The kidnappers demanded the release of a terrorist. After consultation, the kidnappers released a hostage at about 5 p.m. In the evening, there was a sudden loud noise in the direction of the church, accompanied by gunshots. Soon, Texas Gov. Abbott tweeted that "all the hostages were rescued and safe and sound."

The hijacking has attracted the attention of the U.S. and Israeli governments. White House spokesman Psaki said U.S. President Joe Biden had heard a briefing on the situation and that the White House was "paying close attention to the matter." Israeli Prime Minister Bennett also said he was closely following developments.

The reason for the incident was widespread concern was that the kidnappers demanded the release of Afiya Siddiki, a terrorist sentenced by the United States, who claimed to be her brother. But Siddiki's lawyers later issued a statement saying the kidnappers were not Siddiki's brothers. Siddiki, a Pakistani neuroscientist, was sentenced to 86 years in prison by the United States in 2010 on charges of attempting to murder a U.S. agent and aiding al-Qaida. She is currently serving her sentence at Caswell Air Force Base in Texas. The Associated Press said Siddiki's sentencing sparked outrage in Pakistani politics and her supporters who believe Siddiki was a victim of the U.S. criminal justice system. The Fort Worth Star Telegraph reported that the incident made many people aware of the unfamiliar name: Siddiki. In Pakistan, Siddiki has been portrayed as a heroine whose supporters believe the mother of three has been wrongly accused and made a "scapegoat" for the U.S. "war on terror." In 2018, Pakistan's Senate unanimously passed a resolution calling her "daughter of the nation."

After the rescue operation, the local police held a press conference. FBI agent Matt said authorities had identified the suspect but could not make it public. He said he would work with other countries to further investigate the suspects' networks and motives.

Author: Li Zhun

Source: Global Times