SOFX The Crossroads of Special Operations
Jeffery Rey Woodke was a Christian humanitarian worker who had been providing aid to remote villages by means of food and supplies since 1991. He largely worked with the Tuareg and helped develop more sustainable living means. In October 2016 he was kidnapped by ISIS forces in the northern part of the country. Officials believe he is being held by ISIS in Mali, and Woodke is set to turn 60 this year. “I would say, please consider Jeff’s age and what is going on in the world. It’s not good to keep captives. Send him home,” asked his wife, Els Woodke, in her first interview since her husband was captured. Both U.S. and Nigerien officials have commented that they believe he is alive, and his wife is concerned for his safety and health as the coronavirus continues to spread.
Source: Sgt. Samuel Guerre, U.S. Marine Corps Forces, Europe
