“We are deeply appreciative of all who were involved in producing this outcome, including in particular the government of Oman”, Price said in a statement. “These individuals departed Yemen today and have since arrived in Oman”. The other was identified as Sam Farran, 54, a security consultant from Michigan, according to The Washington Post. Following Coombs’ release, which Oman mediated, State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said they were working to win the release of several Americans detained in Yemen. It also reported that a third American, a 35-year-old convert to Islam, was still being held for reasons that were unclear.
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Darden had been helping oversee the transport of humanitarian supplies in Yemen for New Orleans-based Transoceanic Development, which confirmed his release.
The statement followed reports that Shiite Houthi rebels had released three Westerners it held for months. The USA has provided logistical support to the Saudi-led coalition that has made progress in its battle against the Houthis.
The hostage release was negotiated by the Omanis, the US administration official said, and comes at a time of intensified diplomacy to try to end a war that has been raging for over six months and left almost 5,000 people dead – including 2,000 civilians, according the United Nations and to rights groups.
Houthi officials and officials at the airport had earlier said the hostages included three Americans, two Saudis and a British citizen.
“We can not begin to express the sense of joy and relief we feel with Scott’s release”, said Gregory Rusovich, chief executive of Transoceanic.
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Darden’s wife, Diana Loesch, said she was leaving for Oman to be reunited with her husband. He’s both elated and overjoyed.
