CRI听力:U.S. Reveals Failed Attempt to Rescue Hostage in Yemen 

The White House has released details about a failed attempt to liberate an American hostage being held in Yemen by a group affiliated with Al-Qaeda.

The revelations come on the heels of al-Qaeda releasing a video showing 33-year-old Luke Somers being held.

In the video, the militants threaten to kill him if a number of unspecified demands are not met.

White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest.

"We are aware of the video showing Luke Somers, a U.S. citizen held hostage by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. Last month the president authorized an operation to rescue Luke, who has been held hostage by AQAP in Yemen since September of 2013, and a number of other hostages. As soon as the U.S. government had reliable intelligence and an operational plan, the president authorised the Department of Defense to conduct an operation to rescue Mr. Somers. Regrettably, when the operation was executed, Luke was not present, though hostages of other nationalities were present, and they were rescued."

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula maintains control of significant portions of territory in Yemen.

The group is believed responsible for a series of attacks on Yemeni government officials and foreign targets.