Tom Uzhunnalil
Tom Uzhunnalil SDB is an Indian Catholic priest who was kidnapped and held by terrorists in Aden in 2016 before being released in 2017.[1]
Kidnapping
Uzhunnalil (commonly know as Father Tom), is a native of Kerala state and a Salesian of Don Bosco.[2] He was present on March 4 2016 when four unidentified gunmen attacked a care home in Yemen’s southern port city of Aden, killing 16 people including four Missionaries of Charity sisters of Mother Teresa. The attackers, described as ISIS affiliates or general terrorists, took Uzhunnalil hostage.[2] There were around 80 residents at the home at the time of the attack. Prior to the attack, Uzhunnalil had been working for more than four years as a chaplain at the home in southern Yemen.[3][4][5][6][7] There were initial news report that Uzhunnalil was crucified on Good Friday in 2016, however, the Government of India later declared that he was alive.[8]
In May 2017, Father Uzhunnalil made an emotional appeal for a rescue through a five-minute video that was posted on YouTube, asking the Indian government and the Pope to make effort for his release. Uzhunnalil was released into Omani custody on 12 September 2017.[1] Uzhunnalil thanked Qaboos bin Said al Said, the Sultan of Oman, for his attention in negotiating his release.[9]
References
- ^ a b "Indian priest abducted by ISIS in Yemen rescued: Sushma Swaraj - Times of India". The Times of India. Retrieved 2017-09-13.
- ^ a b Harris, Elise (12 September 2017). "Father Tom Uzhunnalil has been released, is headed to India". www.catholicnewsagency.com. Catholic News Agency.
- ^ "Indian priest abducted by ISIS in Yemen rescued: Sushma Swaraj - Times of India".
- ^ "Freed from terrorists in Yemen, Fr Tom Uzhunnalil reaches Rome".
- ^ Haidar, Suhasini (12 September 2017). "Vatican secures release of kidnapped Kerala priest Tom Uzhunnalil" – via www.thehindu.com.
- ^ "Kerala priest Tom Uzhunnalil rescued from Islamic State's captivity after Oman's intervention". www.firstpost.com.
- ^ "Photo of Fr Tom Uzhunalil feared captive in Yemen emerges, family relieved he is alive". 20 July 2016.
- ^ http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-crucified-on-good-friday-how-father-tom-uzhunnalil-came-back-from-dead-2545021
- ^ Times News Service (12 September 2017). "Indian priest thanks His Majesty after rescue from Yemen". Times of Oman.
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