Boston Journalist Held Hostage In Syria For 2 Years Returns Home
BOSTON (CBS) - A Boston journalist who was held hostage in Syria is back home. Peter Theo Curtis was reunited with his family on Tuesday night.
The 45-year-old had been held captive in Syria for almost two years before being released this past weekend.
"I have been so touched and moved, beyond all words, by the people who have come up to me today -- strangers on the airplane, the flight attendants and, most of all, my family to say welcome home," he said in a statement.
Curtis had been held by Jabhat al-Nusra, also known as the Nusra Front, an al-Qaida-linked militant group.
"I am also deeply indebted to the U.S. officials who have worked on my case. I especially want to thank the government of Qatar for intervening on my behalf," Curtis said.
Curtis flew from Tel Aviv and arrived at Newark Liberty International Airport late Tuesday afternoon. He was reunited with his mother, Nancy Curtis, at Logan Airport Tuesday night.
"I am overwhelmed with relief that this day has come and my son is standing beside me," Nancy Curtis said Tuesday night. "But this is a sober occasion because of the events of the past week. My heart goes out to the other families who are suffering."
"I would like to thank the many public and private individuals all over the world who have worked so hard to bring Theo home," Nancy added.
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