ASIA/YEMEN - Two months after the massacre in Aden, negotiations continue for the release of Father Tom

Tuesday, 3 May 2016 kidnapping  

ANS

Aden (Agenzia Fides) - Two months after the massacre perpetrated by a terrorist commando in the nursing home in Aden (see Fides 04/03/2016), where four Missionaries of Charity were killed along with 12 other people, there is still no certain news about father Tom Uzhunnalil. In the absence of verified information, rumors continue to circulate on the current negotiations to secure his release.
"The last words, which are quite reassuring, I received indirectly about ten days ago. I was told that Father Tom is alive, and that his return to freedom could be imminent. But since then nothing has happened. We hope and pray for him", refers to Agenzia Fides Bishop Paul Hinder OFM Cap, Apostolic Vicar of Southern Arabia.
Local security apparatus, who continue to follow the story with due discretion, even in the absence of concrete developments, are involved in the negotiations.
During Holy Week, rumors started circulating that the Salesian priest had been killed. On Tuesday, March 29, the Salesian Congregation, in an official statement, urged everyone not to give credence to false news on Father Tom’s fate (see Fides 22/03/2016).
Meanwhile, the Mother Teresa nuns in Yemen continue to operate in their homes and in Sana'a Hodeyda, at the service of those who suffer most, in a country still torn by conflict between government forces and the Huthi rebels. (GV) (Agenzia Fides 03/05/2016)


Share: