American Jewish hostage Warren Weinstein – who was captured by al-Qaeda in 2011 – was killed in January by an American drone, it was revealed today.

The aid worker was abducted by terrorists from his home in Lahore, Pakistan. According to his daughter, Alisa Weinstein, the gunmen posed as neighbours offering food before abducting her father.

The White House confirmed that Mr Weinstein, who worked with the United States Agency for International Development, was one of two captives killed in the counter-terror operation which targeted the compound.

Gershon Baskin, an Israeli negotiator who assisted in the release of Gilad Shalit, wrote on Facebook: “I met [Mr Weinstein’s] wife a couple of years ago and some friends of his who asked me to see if I could help secure his freedom. They put me in contact with a private security company in London.

“The kidnappers wanted money and Taliban prisoners released in Pakistan. I put them in contact with my friend Prince Hassan of Jordan with whom I went to Pakistan a number of years ago. Prince Hassan's wife is from Pakistan and he has great contacts there with the Pakistani government.

“In the end, nothing came of it, I am sorry to say. I mourn the loss of Warren and wish his family well. At least their suffering is over.”

President Barack Obama said that al-Qaeda held on to Mr Weinstein because of his Jewish faith. Mr Weinstein was reported to have suffered from a heart condition and severe asthma.

Ahmed Farouq, an American citizen and leader of the terrorist group, was also killed in the operation.