Two American Hostages Held Captive by Houthis in Yemen Get Released

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has announced on Wednesday that President Trump has secured the release of two American hostages who were held captive by Houthis in Yemen.

“Today, the @realdonaldtrump Administration secured the release of two American hostages held captive by Houthis in Yemen. We join all Americans in welcoming their newly regained freedom,” Pompeo tweeted.

Sandra Loli, Mikael Gidada, and the remains of Bilal Fateen have been released. In exchange is the return of around 250 of the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels from Oman. This is according to the White House, as reported by Fox News.

Fox News also explained that according to Oman’s state news, American captives were flown out of Yemen on an Omani plane. “It said 250 ‘Yemeni brothers’ who received treatment in Oman have been returned to Yemen's capital, Sanaa, on two flights as part of the exchange,” the report also said.

Loli is a humanitarian worker held for around three years. On the other hand, Gidada is a businessman held for around one year.

The U.S. state department welcomed the release of Loli and Gidada in a statement. It also extended condolences to Fateen’s family.

Additionally, BBC News reported that Robert O'Brien, U.S. national security adviser, thanked Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman and King Salman of Saudi Arabia for their assistance. He also acknowledged President Trump’s support.

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