Hostage Recovery Activities

2015-06-29Executive Order 13698
Signed by: Barack Obama
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Headline: Establishes United States Hostage Recovery Team for Americans Abroad

What it does: Agencies must create and staff an interagency Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell, coordinate policy through the National Security Council, and support a Special Presidential Envoy.

Real World Impact:
  • Creates a dedicated interagency team to coordinate hostage recoveries abroad.
  • Provides families with coordinated support and timely information about cases.
  • Designates a senior envoy to lead diplomatic efforts for detained U.S. nationals.
Topics: hostage policy, diplomatic affairs, national security, family support

Summary

This order creates a permanent, interagency structure to recover U.S. nationals held hostage abroad. It establishes a Hostage Recovery Fusion Cell within the FBI, a Hostage Response Group, and a Special Presidential Envoy reporting to the Secretary of State.

The effort coordinates intelligence, diplomatic action, and family support to secure safe returns and deter future kidnappings, and it directs agencies to work together without making concessions to hostage-takers. Reports on setup and implementation are due within 180 days and one year.

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