Death of Linda Norgrove

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Aid worker Linda Norgrove, North East Afghanistan

Linda Norgrove, a Scottish aid worker, and three Afghan colleagues were kidnapped by members of the Taliban in Kunar Province in eastern Afghanistan on 26 September 2010. They had been travelling at the time in a convoy of two unarmoured cars.[1][2] The three kidnapped Afghan aid workers were released by the Taliban on 3 October.[3]

Norgrove was killed during a U.S. military pre-dawn rescue attempt on a Taliban mountain hideout on 8 October 2010.[2] A joint U.S./U.K. investigation concluded that she was killed by a grenade thrown by one of the rescuers.[4] It had been initially reported that her captors had detonated a suicide vest during the rescue attempt.[5][6]

Background: killing of foreign workers

During the summer of 2010 two British workers were killed in Afghanistan. In July, Shaun Sexton, a 29-year-old security guard who worked with Norgrove for Development Alternatives Inc.'s (DAI) security subcontractor, Edinburgh International, was killed along with two Afghans and a German during an attack on DAI offices in Kunduz, northern Afghanistan.[7][8] In August, British doctor Karen Woo, who had been providing eye care to villagers, and nine other aid workers and translators were killed by gunmen in Badakhshan province.[9][10]

Linda Norgrove

Norgrove was born in Altnaharra (a hamlet in the Scottish highlands), in 1974 to John and Lorna Norgrove. She spent her childhood on a croft in the Isle of Lewis in the Western Isles, attending a primary school in Uig.[11] She later attended the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway.[12]

Norgrove studied at the University of Aberdeen beginning in 1992, from which she gained a first-class honours degree in tropical environmental science; her coursework involved postgraduate research at the University of Chiapas in Mexico, and a year of study at the University of Oregon (1993–94).[13][14] She attended the University of London in 1996 and 1997, graduating with distinction in a masters degree in rural resources and environmental policy.[15]

In 2002, Norgrove was awarded a PhD from the University of Manchester in development policy and management.[16][17][18] From 2002 to 2005 she worked for the World Wide Fund in Peru, initially supporting and later taking charge of the WWF's Forest Program in the Peruvian portion of the Northern Andes.[19]

At the time of her death, Norgrove was working towards completing an MBA at the University of Warwick through distance learning, in addition to her aid work.[20][21]

Norgrove worked in countries including Afghanistan (first for the U.N, in 2005–08, and later as regional director of DAI, based in Jalalabad, starting in February 2010), Laos (as an environmental specialist for the U.N. from 2008–09), Mexico, and Uganda (where she researched how national park management affected the indigenous population around Mount Elgon National Park).[22][23] She was involved in projects for the United Nations.[24] She spoke Dari (an Afghan version of Persian) and Spanish, and was in Afghanistan at the time of her death working as Regional Director for a USAID project implemented by Development Alternatives Inc., which rebuilds businesses and infrastructure in developing nations.[21][25][26]

Kidnapping of aid workers

Map showing Kunar Province, Afghanistan

Norgrove and three Afghan colleagues were ambushed and kidnapped by members of the Taliban on the main highway from Jalalabad to Asadabad in the Dewagal valley in the Chawkay district of the eastern Afghan Kunar Province on 26 September 2010.[5][27] They were forced off the road while traveling in a convoy of two unarmored, unmarked Toyota Corollas.[28][29] A U.S. military convoy had been ambushed two months prior on the same stretch of road.[30] Norgrove was wearing a burqa, in an effort to conceal the fact that she was a foreigner.[7]

A local farmer saw Norgrove being led into the hills by six to eight men, armed with Kalashnikovs and rocket-propelled grenade launchers.[7] She was dressed in men's clothing, and taken into the mountains.[27]

The three kidnapped Afghan aid workers were released by the Taliban on 3 October.[3][31] At that point, the security forces became concerned that Norgrove was about to be taken over the nearby border into Pakistan.[10] British Prime Minister David Cameron said that the great fear was that she "was going to be passed up the terrorist chain, which would increase further the already high risk that she would be killed".[32]

Negotiation with captors

FBI wanted image of Aafia Siddiqui, for whom Taliban leaders attempted to swap Norgrove[33]

Within 24 hours of the kidnapping, contact was made with a group claiming responsibility.[34] Norgrove was being held by two Taliban commanders, Mullah Basir and Mullah Keftan, an Afghan intelligence official said later.[35] U.S. military sources identified her captors as Kunar Taliban, and British Foreign Secretary William Hague said they were from a local Salafist group (an extreme form of Islam) allied to the local Kunar Taliban, which had links up the Taliban chain of command to al-Qaeda and other insurgent groups operating on the Pakistan/Afghanistan border.[36][37]

Mohammed Osman and other Taliban commanders reportedly insisted Norgrove would be handed over only in exchange for Pakistani Aafia Siddiqui, called "Lady al-Qaeda". They tried to use Norgrove as a bargaining chip to secure the release of Siddiqui, who had been sentenced to jail for 86 years in the U.S. on 23 September 2010 for the attempted murder of U.S. agents and soldiers in Afghanistan.[33][38][39][40] One of those reporting the effort to swap Norgrove for Siddiqui was a local news organization, the Afghan Islamic Press, which The Wall Street Journal indicated has links to the Taliban.[41] The Telegraph reported that Osman told the Afghan Islamic Press: “We are lucky that we abducted this British woman soon after the ruthless ruling by an American court on Aafia Siddiqui. We will demand the release of Aafia Siddiqui in exchange for her.”[42]

Rescue attempt and killing

Conversations were intercepted that indicated Norgrove could be executed "like the Russian" some years before, as one group of local Afghan elders were suggesting, or moved to a new secret location across the Pakistan border 10 miles away from where she was being held, into the tribal areas of North Waziristan, which is almost entirely outside the control of government forces.[27][43][44][45] That prompted British Prime Minister Cameron and Foreign Secretary Hague to approve an effort to rescue Norgrove on her 13th night of captivity by United States special forces spearheaded by Navy SEALs, from the Naval Special Warfare Development Group (also known as Navy SEAL Team 6), a unit used for high-risk counter-terrorist operations.[46][47]

The SEALs staged a pre-dawn raid on the Taliban hillside compound hideout, where Norgrove was being held in a mud and timber shack, on 8 October 2010. The stronghold was surrounded by 16 feet (4.9 m) high, 2 feet (0.61 m) thick, perimeter walls in a densely wooded area.[45][48] It was located in the village of Dineshgal, 8,000 feet (2,400 m) up a steep-sided mountain in the Korengal Valley, in Kunar Province.[27][43][44][49][50]

At approximately 3:30 AM, in total darkness the 24 black-clothed SEALs and around 20 U.S. Army Rangers (who would provide a security cordon for the operation) wearing night-vision goggles approached, abseiling (“fast-roping”) down to the ground from four MH-60 Black Hawk helicopters that had approached without lights. They were fired upon from within the compound and from a nearby overwatch position by Taliban armed with AK-47s, rocket-propelled grenades, and suicide vests.[43][45][51][52] Two American snipers on board a helicopter shot dead two guards, with silenced laser-guided rifles.[45] An AC-130 Spectre gunship provided the SEALs with close air support, and killed two fleeing Taliban.[53][54] The Rangers secured fire bases on the surrounding hillside.[45] All six Taliban gunmen who fought the U.S. force were killed in the prolonged firefight.[44][50][52]

Norgrove was injured when the SEALs were seconds from rescuing her, having reached the building where she was held and were "very, very close", the BBC was told.[55] Following the operation Ms Norgrove's body was found in the gully.[56]

Norgrove received emergency medical treatment and was evacuated by helicopter, but died from her injuries.[50] That day it was reported that Norgrove had been killed by one of her captors detonating a suicide vest during the rescue attempt.[6][44][51] The Guardian noted later that it is not unusual for insurgents to put on suicide vests if there is a risk of attack.[44] Taliban commanders Mullah Basir and Mullah Keftan, who were holding her, were among those killed in the raid, an Afghan intelligence official said.[35] Other women and children in the compound were not injured, and none of the rescue team was wounded.[52]

Subsequent events

Major General Joseph Votel, who is leading the investigation.

On 10 October, an unnamed Afghan intelligence officer said Norgrove was killed by a grenade that had been thrown by her captors.[57] The following day, Prime Minister Cameron told media that new information indicated Norgrove may have been killed accidentally by a U.S. grenade.[5] In an interview, the Prime Minister said "Linda could have died as a result of a grenade detonated by the task force during the assault. However, this is not definite."[58] A U.S. military statement said "Subsequent review of surveillance footage and discussions with members of the rescue team do not conclusively determine the cause of her death".[5][6]

General David Petraeus ordered a joint U.S./U.K. investigation into the incident. It is being led by U.S. Major General Joseph Votel (Chief of Staff of U.S. Special Operations Command, who has extensive U.S. special forces experience) and British Brigadier Rob Nitsch (the Head of Joint Force Support, UK Forces Afghanistan).[59][60][61][62][63] The investigation is being conducted from "outside theatre" to ensure its integrity, and Norgrove's family will be kept informed of the results of the investigation.[64] It was reported on 12 October that the results were expected within days.[65]

The Guardian the following day reported that during the pre-dawn rescue attempt, Norgrove had broken away from her captors and was laying elsewhere in a fetal position. One SEAL standing on the roof of a hut reportedly did not see her when he tossed the grenade into the compound, which exploded close to her and an insurgent near her. That SEAL may face disciplinary action.[66]

On 14 October, Norgrove's body was repatriated to the United Kingdom, arriving at RAF Lyneham on a Royal Air Force flight.[67] The following day Petraeus spoke to John Norgrove, Linda Norgrove's father, offering his sincere condolences and updating him on the on-going investigation.[68]

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Smith of the Metropolitan Police said during the opening of an inquest at the coroner's court in Salisbury, Wiltshire, South West England, that a 19 October post-mortem examination by British coroner Pathologist Doctor Russell Delaney on Norgrove's body indicated that she died of "penetrating fragment injuries to the head and chest".[48][69][70][71]

Norgrove's funeral was held on 26 October at the Uig Community Centre in the Western Isles. The humanist service was attended by hundreds of people, including Norgrove's parents and her younger sister Sophie. Norgrove's body was interred at Ardroil cemetery, not far from the village of Mangersta where she grew up.[72][73]

On 2 December the results of the joint investigation were announced by British Foreign Secretary William Hague. The probe concluded that Norgrove had been accidentally killed by a grenade thrown by a US soldier. Hague said to the House of Commons: "A grenade was thrown by a member of the rescue team who feared for his own life and those of his team towards a gully from where some of the insurgents had emerged. When the grenade was thrown no member of the team had seen, or heard, Linda Norgrove."[4] Special forces soldiers did not immediately notify senior officers about the grenade, in breach of military law. As a result a number of soldiers were disciplined.[4]

Reactions

Cameron said:

My thoughts are with Linda's family, who will be devastated by this tragic news. She was doing valuable work for the Afghan people ... Decisions on operations to free hostages are always difficult. But where a British life is in such danger, and where we and our allies can act, I believe it is right to try.[57]

Hague, the British foreign secretary, announced her death and said that they had "failed to rescue Linda". He added in a written statement: "after receiving information on where she was held it was decided that, given the danger she was facing, her best chance of safe release was to act on that information.”[74]

U.S. President Barack Obama called Cameron, offering his condolences and promising "to get to the bottom" of the failed rescue attempt.[75]

ISAF commander David Petraeus passed along his condolences, and commented: "Afghan and coalition security forces did everything in their power to rescue Linda... Linda was a courageous person with a passion to improve the lives of Afghan people, and sadly lost her life in their service. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family during this difficult time."[22]

DAI's president, James Boomgard, said:

This is devastating news. We are saddened beyond words by the death of a wonderful woman whose sole purpose in Afghanistan was to do good–to help the Afghan people achieve a measure of prosperity and stability in their everyday lives as they set about rebuilding their country.[2][76]

The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator, Robert Watkins, praised Norgrove saying: "She was a true advocate for the people of Afghanistan and was dedicated to bringing improvements to their lives". He added, "Her spirit and compassion will be greatly missed".[77] The First Minister of Scotland, Alex Salmond, gave tribute to Norgrove, saying: "Ms. Norgrove was a dedicated aid worker who was doing everything she could to help people in Afghanistan—hopefully that legacy of service in a humanitarian cause can be of some comfort to her loved ones in their time of grief".[10]

John Norgrove, Linda's father, said of his daughter "She wasn't an extrovert, but she was very good at sitting down on a bus and striking up a conversation", and he also noted that she "was attracted to knowing the local people" and preferred not to spend too much time in the company of fellow expatriates. He summarized her life by saying: "she lived a short life and a full life".[78]

References

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  2. ^ a b c Peter Beaumont. "Linda Norgrove profile: aid worker was in love with Afghanistan". The Guardian. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
  3. ^ a b "Failed attempt to free kidnapped British aid worker". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 11 October 2010.
  4. ^ a b c "Aid worker Linda Norgrove was killed by US grenade". BBC. Retrieved 2 December 2010.
  5. ^ a b c d "UK aid worker may have been killed by rescuers' grenade". BBC News. Retrieved 11 October 2010.
  6. ^ a b c Post (12 October 2010). "U.S., U.K. Probe Aid Worker's Death in Afghanistan". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 12 October 2010.
  7. ^ a b c Sawer, Patrick. "Kidnapped aid worker killed as special forces mounted rescue". Telegraph. Retrieved 12 October 2010.
  8. ^ "Linda Norgrove's death captured on US special forces' helmet camera | Mail Online". Dailymail.co.uk. 11 October 2010. Retrieved 15 October 2010.
  9. ^ "Linda Norgrove may have been killed by US special forces". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 October 2010.
  10. ^ a b c Owen Bowcott (6 October 2010). "How the rescue of British aid worker Linda Norgrove ended in tragedy". The Guardian. Retrieved 12 October 2010.
  11. ^ 'Linda's care for others marked her out at an early age', The Scotsman
  12. ^ Island community mourns kidnapped aid worker BBC News. 9 October 2010.
  13. ^ "'She liked knowing the place she lived'". KVAL CBS 13. Retrieved 12 October 2010.
  14. ^ Richard James (9 October 2010). "UK aid worker Linda Norgrove killed in Afghanistan". Daily mail. Retrieved 14 October 2010.
  15. ^ "Afghanistan: Linda Norgrove Dedicated To Afghanistan After Being Murdered By Insurgents". Sky News. Retrieved 14 October 2010.
  16. ^ "Community mourns charity worker". BBC. 9 October 2010. Retrieved 12 October 2010.
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  18. ^ Cowing, Emma. "Killed hostage's life packed with travel and helping others". scotsman.com. Retrieved 14 October 2010.
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  20. ^ Christopher Leake. "Aid worker Linda Norgrove blown up by Taliban suicide vest during US rescue mission". Daily Mail. Retrieved 12 October 2010.
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  22. ^ a b CNN Wire Staff. "British hostage in Afghanistan killed during rescue attempt". CNN. Retrieved 9 October 2010. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
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  25. ^ "About DAI". DAI. Retrieved 9 October 2010.
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  33. ^ a b Reaction: Chris Watt (1 August 2009). "A cruel and tragic end to a lifetime of devoted service". Herald Scotland. Retrieved 11 October. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |accessdate= (help)
  34. ^ Starkey, Jerome. "Special Forces' nighttime raid thwarted by Afghan captors". scotsman.com. Retrieved 11 October 2010.
  35. ^ a b CNN Wire Staff. "British hostage in Afghanistan killed during rescue attempt". CNN. Retrieved 9 October 2010. {{cite web}}: |author= has generic name (help)
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  37. ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/12/world/europe/12hostage.html
  38. ^ Abi, Maria. "British Aid Worker Killed in Afghanistan". The Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 11 October 2010.
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  47. ^ BBC Online. "Rescuers may have killed UK Afghan aid worker: Cameron". The Daily Star. Retrieved 14 October 2010.
    Julian Borger. "Linda Norgrove: US navy Seal faces disciplinary action over grenade death". The Guardian. Retrieved 14 October 2010.
    * "Taliban | Linda Norgrove – aid worker killed by rescuer's grenade". The Sydney Morning Herald. 22 September 2010. Retrieved 14 October 2010.
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  52. ^ a b c Heidi Vogt and Robert Kennedy. "US Grenade May Have Killed British Aid Worker". TIME. Retrieved 12 October 2010.
  53. ^ Hutton, Robert. "Petraeus Gives Details of U.S. Rescue That Led to Death of British Hostage". Bloomberg. Retrieved 16 October 2010.
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  56. ^ http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-11900709
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  77. ^ Afghan: UN condemns British aid worker's killing NewKerala.com
  78. ^ Worldview: An aid worker's courageous success The Philadelphia Inquirer 14 October 2010.

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