© Reuters Staff / Reuters
The Shiite Houthi rebels in Yemen released six foreign hostages and flew them to Oman, officials said Sunday. Two Americans, three Saudis and a British citizen were among the group. The hostages were released after mediation efforts brokered by diplomats representing Sultan Qaboos bin Said, according to a statement reported by state-run media. The White House confirmed two Americans had been released, but did not identify the hostages or elaborate on circumstances surrounding their captivity. A spokesman for New-Orleans based logistics company Transoceanic Development confirmed its employee Scot Darden was among those freed. Houthi media officials declined to explain why the hostages had been detained, but reportedly said at least of them was a journalist who "entered the country illegally."