This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-28949463

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Peter Theo Curtis, US writer freed from Syria, is home Syria ex-hostage Peter Theo Curtis 'overwhelmed' by support
(about 7 hours later)
US journalist Peter Theo Curtis, freed two days ago after being held captive for almost two years by al-Nusra militants in Syria, has returned home. US journalist Peter Theo Curtis, who was taken hostage in Syria, has said he is "overwhelmed by emotion" at how many people helped his released.
He was greeted by his mother in his hometown Boston late on Tuesday. Mr Curtis, 45, was released on Sunday after being held captive for almost two years by al-Nusra Front militants.
In a statement, Curtis, 45, said he was "moved beyond all words" by the people who welcomed him home. "I had no idea so much effort was being expended on my behalf," Mr Curtis said.
US officials had worked with more than 12 countries to help secure his release, which comes days after a US journalist was beheaded in Syria. US officials had worked with more than 12 countries to help secure his release, which came days after a US journalist was beheaded in Syria.
On 20 August, the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria released a widely condemned video of the moments before and after the beheading of James Foley, 40, who was seized in 2012. "In the days following my release on Sunday, I have learned bit-by-bit that there have been literally hundreds of people - brave, determined and big-hearted people - all over the world working for my release," Mr Curtis said, speaking outside his family's home in Boston.
UK secret services are reportedly close to identifying a suspected British jihadist from the footage of that killing. He said since returning late on Tuesday, total strangers had been welcoming him back and telling him they were glad he was home.
"I suddenly remember how good the American people are and what kindness they have in their hearts," he said.
'Unspeakable tragedy''Unspeakable tragedy'
On Tuesday Curtis's mother said she was "overwhelmed with relief" after speaking to her son. She said she had immediately written to James Foley's mother, Diane. On 20 August, the Islamic State (IS) group in Syria released a widely condemned video of the beheading of James Foley, 40, who was seized in 2012.
UK secret services are reportedly close to identifying a suspected British jihadist from the footage of that killing.
On Tuesday, Mr Curtis's mother said she was "overwhelmed with relief" after speaking to her son.
She said she had immediately written to James Foley's mother, Diane.
"We've been through so much together, and I didn't want her to hear it from the media first," Nancy Curtis told ABC from her home in Cambridge, Massachusetts."We've been through so much together, and I didn't want her to hear it from the media first," Nancy Curtis told ABC from her home in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Curtis was reportedly abducted in Turkey on his way to Syria. Mr Curtis was reportedly abducted in Turkey on his way to Syria.
The United Nations confirmed that it had facilitated his release. The United Nations confirmed that it had helped in his release, and that the journalist was handed over to UN peacekeepers in the Golan Heights.
It said the journalist was handed over to UN peacekeepers in the Golan Heights. After an initial health check, he was then transferred to US government representatives. After an initial health check, he was then transferred to US government representatives.
The news of Curtis's release on Sunday came as a memorial service was being held for Foley in his hometown of Rochester in New Hampshire. The news of Mr Curtis's release on Sunday came as a memorial service was being held for Foley in his hometown of Rochester in New Hampshire.
Foley was abducted in November 2012. He had reported across the Middle East, working for US publication GlobalPost and other media outlets.Foley was abducted in November 2012. He had reported across the Middle East, working for US publication GlobalPost and other media outlets.
The Islamic State
Who are Islamic State (IS)?Who are Islamic State (IS)?