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Yemen rebels 'free foreign hostages' Yemen Houthi rebels 'free six foreign hostages'
(about 2 hours later)
Yemen's Houthi rebels have released six foreign hostages including three Americans, two Saudis and a Briton, Yemeni officials say.Yemen's Houthi rebels have released six foreign hostages including three Americans, two Saudis and a Briton, Yemeni officials say.
There are no details on their identity. They are reportedly being flown from the capital Sanaa to neighbouring Oman.There are no details on their identity. They are reportedly being flown from the capital Sanaa to neighbouring Oman.
Shia Houthi rebels have seized much of Yemen, including Sanaa, since last year. They are fighting government troops aided by a Saudi-led coalition.Shia Houthi rebels have seized much of Yemen, including Sanaa, since last year. They are fighting government troops aided by a Saudi-led coalition.
Many foreigners have been seized and freed in Yemen in recent years. Many foreigners have been taken hostage in Yemen in recent years.
Reports say the six involved in the latest incident were captured several months ago, and at least one was a journalist detained after entering the country without notifying the rebel authorities.Reports say the six involved in the latest incident were captured several months ago, and at least one was a journalist detained after entering the country without notifying the rebel authorities.
Last month the local branch of al-Qaeda released British hostage Bob Semple, a 64-year-old oil worker who had been held for 18 months. The authorities in Oman reportedly helped to mediate negotiations to secure their release.
Gulf state mediation
Oman has a history of facilitating the release of captives in Yemen, including French World Bank employee Isabelle Prime who was freed last month by unidentified militants and American journalist Casey Coombs, freed by Houthi rebels earlier this year.
In August, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) brokered talks with the local branch of al-Qaeda resulting in the release of British hostage Robert Semple.
But in December last year al-Qaeda militants killed a UK-born US journalist and South African teacher during a failed rescue bid by US and Yemeni special forces.
The Saudi-led coalition is trying to restore exiled President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, who left as the Houthis swept across Yemen last year.The Saudi-led coalition is trying to restore exiled President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, who left as the Houthis swept across Yemen last year.
Coalition countries helped southern militiamen opposed to the Houthis retake the southern port city of Aden in July. Pro-government forces have advanced northwards since then.Coalition countries helped southern militiamen opposed to the Houthis retake the southern port city of Aden in July. Pro-government forces have advanced northwards since then.
The UN says some 4,500 people - including at least 2,110 civilians - have been killed in fighting on the ground and by coalition air strikes since late March.The UN says some 4,500 people - including at least 2,110 civilians - have been killed in fighting on the ground and by coalition air strikes since late March.