Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — Two US citizens were freed from captivity in the Houthi-controlled capital of Yemen and transported to Saudi Arabia, Saudi ministry of defense announced on Friday.

Prior to their rescue the two young women were mistreated and had restrictions imposed on their movements.

The Official Spokesperson of the Saudi Ministry of Defense, Brigadier General Turki Al-Malki: “In continuation of the long-standing robust military cooperation and joint security coordination between Saudi Arabia and the United States of America, two young American women were freed from captivity, evacuated, and transported from the Houthi-controlled Yemeni capital Sanaa to the interim capital Aden, and later on to Riyadh."

He said that the two American citizens came to Sana's for a family visit and they were mistreated and restrictions were placed on their freedom and movement, and their passports were confiscated.

Al-Malki pointed out that the two US citizens were freed and then transported from Sanaa to Aden following a request from the US, and through a special security operation.

"Subsequently, they were flown from Aden to Riyadh by the Royal Saudi Airforce. US Government officials were present upon their arrival in Riyadh, and the two evacuated American citizens were provided with all necessary healthcare screenings and care."

"This joint operation between the Kingdom and the United States of America to evacuate the two US citizens from Yemen demonstrates the strength of the bilateral relationship between the two countries. It is also part of the ongoing security and intelligence cooperation to combat terrorist organizations in Yemen such as Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), ISIS in Yemen, and the terrorist Houthi militia that has been designated as a terrorist organization under the United Nations Security Council Resolution (2624),” he added.