Somali Pirates Kill 4 American Hostages

Somali pirates shot and killed 4 American hostages after holding a yacht hostage in the Arabian sea for at least three days.

U.S. forces, who had been monitoring the situation, discovered the victims after boarding the ship early Tuesday morning in response to gunfire. According to United States Central Command, immediate efforts were made to provide life-saving medical care, but they ultimately proved to be unsuccessful.

Thirteen pirates have been detained in relation to the incident. Two were killed after being confronted by U.S. forces.

According to White House Press Secretary Jim Carney, Obama authorized the use of deadly force if the hostages were threatened and was informed of the deaths around 5 am by Deputy National Security Advisor John Brennan.