Two American hostages who had been held by Houthi rebels in Yemen are free and in neighboring Oman, according to the White House. “This outcome underscores that we have been and will continue to be tireless in pursuing the release of all Americans detained overseas unjustly, including those who remain in the region”.
Advertisement
Darden’s mother, Pat Darden of Atlanta, referred questions to a family spokesman, but said: “We have grateful hearts”, she said, adding that today is her birthday”.
Sam Farran, 54, a security consultant from Dearborn Heights, had been held in the war-ravaged country since March 27, NBC News is reporting. They were attempting to flee when they were arrested as was an unnamed third American.
A rebel official and a security source in Yemen had said three Americans were released, along with two Saudis and a Briton.
But a spokesman for a New Orleans-based logistics company confirms that employee Scott Darden was freed. The US has provided logistical support to the Saudi-led coalition that has made progress in its battle against the Houthis.
The people left Yemen on Sunday and arrived in neighboring Oman, where they were received by the USA ambassador and another official, the statement said.
Last month, the United Arab Emirates helped free British petroleum engineer Robert Douglas Semple, who had been held for 18 months after being kidnapped by al-Qaida in Yemen, which has expanded its reach in the country amid the fighting between Houthis and their opponents.
Advertisement
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry thanked the Omani government Sunday, adding that the USA government welcomed the hostages’ release and would keep pushing for the release of other detained Americans. The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Gregory Rusovich, stated in a press release, “We can’t begin to precise the sense of joy & relief we really feel with Scott’s release”.
