Aid worker's kidnappers set off bomb vest
The mission to save Linda Norgrove from her rebel captors was authorised by the Foreign Secretary William Hague while Prime Minister David Cameron was kept informed of the operation, officials said.
The Government defended the decision to launch the military assault, saying it was "right to try" to secure the release of Ms Norgrove, a 36-year-old aid worker from Scotland.
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Hide AdHer father John told The Sunday Times his family was devastated by the news.
General David Petraeus, the top Nato and US commander in Afghanistan, added that troops did "everything in their power" to save a woman colleagues described as an "inspiration".
Originally from Sutherland in the Scottish Highlands, Ms Norgrove was seized by militants in Kunar province on September 26.
Three Afghan nationals also taken by the insurgents were later released, but Ms Norgrove continued to be held.
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