US Hostage Freed From Yemen Returns To Michigan
ROMULUS (WWJ/AP) - A man who was one of two American hostages freed after months of being held in Yemen's raging civil war has been reunited with family in Michigan.
Former U.S. Marine Sam Farran was greeted Tuesday night at Detroit Metropolitan Airport in Romulus by family as well as supporters. The Dearborn Heights man told reporters that he "paced that cell ... thinking about this moment when I'm going to see them again."
The security industry worker said he's "very happy" and "glad to be home."
Oman announced Sunday night that it had negotiated the release of two Americans as well as three Saudis and a British citizen being held by Yemen's Shiite Houthi rebels. The other freed American was Scott Darden, who works for a New Orleans-based logistics company.
The White House said it had "worked tirelessly to secure the release" of the Americans since they were taken earlier this year.
CBS DC reports the war in Yemen has pitted Shiite Houthi rebels and forces fighting for former President Ali Abdullah Saleh against fighters loyal to exiled President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi, as well as southern separatists, local militias and Sunni extremists. The conflict escalated in March as a Saudi-led, U.S.-backed coalition launched airstrikes against the Houthis.
TM and © Copyright 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.