The Trump administration sadly has to mourn its first service member to die in the line of duty. A U.S. commando was killed during a raid on Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula headquarters in Yemen, while three other service members were wounded. The mission was "successful," Trump said, yet regretted that it cost an American life.
“Americans are saddened this morning with the news that a life of a heroic service member has been taken in our fight against the evil of radical Islamic terrorism,” Trump said in a statement. “The sacrifices made by the men and women of our armed forces, and the families they leave behind, are the backbone of the liberty we hold so dear as Americans, united in our pursuit of a safe nation and freer world.”
“My deepest thoughts and humblest prayers are with the family of this fallen service member,” he added. “I also pray for a quick and complete recovery for the brave service members who sustained injuries.”
Vice President Pence also released a statement on Sunday to honor the fallen soldier.
We mourn the loss of a hero in battle against radical Islamic terror. Our prayers go to loved ones of fallen service member & the wounded. pic.twitter.com/5oUHEgrWZI
— Vice President Pence (@VP) January 29, 2017
God bless our men and women in uniform.