It did not elaborate.
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“We will continue to work tirelessly to pursue the release of all Americans detained overseas unjustly, including those who remain in the region”, Kerry said in a statement. The Post identified the other American as Sam Farran, 54, a security consultant from Michigan.
Price specifically thanked the government of Oman, and said the USA ambassador in Muscat had greeted the two citizens at the airport.
“We are deeply appreciative of all who were involved in producing this outcome, including in particular the government of Oman under the leadership of His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al Said”, Price said in a statement. Darden was helping to deliver aid throughout the region for Transoceanic and relief organizations among its clients.
Attempts to free the men have been complicated by the deteriorating security situation in Yemen since Shiite Houthi rebels seized power earlier this year, prompting an intense Saudi bombing campaign in support of embattled President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi. The conflict escalated in March as a Saudi-led, U.S.-backed coalition launched airstrikes against the Houthis. US officials asked that the name of the third American, who had been in Yemen teaching English, be withheld because it could jeopardize efforts to free him. The delegation is accompanied by another from the General People’s Congress party of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, said Aref al-Zouka, the party’s secretary-general.
Additionally, Vitter has engaged the head of ICRC and has had regular contact with them ensuring that if Mr. Darden were released to them, they would be able to assist in his exit out of Yemen, if necessary and approved by the Houthis.
The British Foreign Office was unable to confirm the hostages’ release.
Casey Coombs, a freelance American journalist, was freed in June after being held by the rebels for about two weeks.
Two Americans arrived in Oman on Sunday after months of detention in Yemen.
Darden is from Atlanta and lived with his family in Dubai, according to his Facebook page.
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The daily said Darden’s supporters had released his name hoping to call attention to his case.
