top cx logo
cx logo
Explorearrow down
search icon
Explore
arrow down

French aid trio freed in Yemen

Al-Qaida group releases humanitarian workers after ransom of "several million dollars" paid

THREE French aid workers who have been held hostage by an alleged Al-Qaida group in Yemen have been freed after nearly six months.

The two women and one man have not been named but are all said to be in "good health". They are en-route for Oman where they will board a plane back to France.

A ransom of "several million dollars" was said to have been paid for the three after negotiations involving a leading Yemeni businessman, now exiled in Oman.

They all worked for the French non-governmental aid group Triangle Génération Humanitaire, and news of their release was given in a statement by the Elysée.

President Sarkozy said he "warmly thanked the sultan of Oman and the Omani authorities for their decisive help as well as all those who contributed to this happy outcome".

Triangle vice-president Pierre Verbruggen said he shared the "great relief" on hearing the news.

Al-Qaida groups have taken over large areas of the south of the country since a widespread rebellion against President Ali Abdulla Saleh, who has ruled for 30 years.

Resident or second-home owner in France?
Benefit from our daily digest of headlines and how-to's to help you make the most of life in France
By joining the newsletter, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy
See more popular articles
The Connexion Help Guides
featured helpguide
Income Tax in France 2023 (for 2022 income)*
Featured Help Guide
- Primarily aimed at Britons, covers pensions, rent, ISAs, shares, savings and interest - but also contains significant general information pertinent to readers of other nationalities - Overview of online declarations + step-by-step guide to the French printed forms - Includes updates given automatically after this year's site opened
Get news, views and information from France