Weigh risk and reward before going to kidnap-prone areas

The US government's policy of not paying ransoms for kidnapped citizens leaves but two options for those who are captured: To escape or be rescued. A failed attempt by special operations forces to rescue freelance photojournalist Luke Somers from al-Qaeda in Yemen at the weekend led to his killing, along with that of fellow hostage Pierre Korkie, a South African teacher. It was a tragic reminder of the limits of such a strategy, but also a caution to those who decide to go to trouble spots. Risks have to be sensibly weighed against benefits.

There is every reason for a careful assessment: Rescue missions are risky, for those who are captured as well as those who carry them out. Three US missions have failed since July, when an attempt to locate American journalist James Foley in north Syria did not succeed; he was among five foreigners beheaded by the extremist Muslim group Islamic State. All were reporters or humanitarian aid workers, jobs that also require courage in dangerous localities. Their jobs make them vulnerable, especially in the Middle East, to terrorists and other groups financing activities through ransoms from kidnappings.

It is for that reason that the US, Britain and UN, among other nations and organisations, refuse to pay ransoms. A few governments do, as do some international companies with workers in vulnerable places. While the approach has led to releases and saved lives, it has also fuelled a rise in kidnappings of foreigners. The British ambassador to the UN has estimated that militant groups have received US$105 million in ransoms over the past three and a half years.

A UN Security Council resolution earlier this year urged governments to end ransom payments. Not legally binding, it was aimed at strengthening a measure adopted in 2001 under anti-terrorism regulations. The latest resolution said that nations should prevent terrorists from benefitting from ransom payments "and to secure the safe release of hostages". It is a realistic way to tackle the problem. But those seeking to work in terror-prone areas also need to think twice about the risks.