Video: David Cameron pays tribute to British forces after hostage rescue mission in Afghanistan The SAS are understood to have carried out the helicopter raid on the cave where Helen Johnson, 28, who was working for an aid project, was being held along with three other hostages. David Cameron authorised the rescue attempt after military forces in Afghanistan briefed him on the planned operation. Speaking outside Number 10 after the raid, he described the rescue effort as "extraordinarily brave" and "breath-taking." Mr Cameron said he authorised the rescue attempt on Friday afternoon after becoming increasingly concerned about the safety of Ms Johnston and her colleagues. He said all four hostages were rescued safely, no British troops were injured and a number of Taliban and hostage-takers were killed. "It was an extraordinarily brave, breath-taking even, operation that our troops had to carry out," he said. I pay tribute to their skill and dedication.