Three French hostages kidnapped in Yemen released

The French authorities have confirmed that three French aid workers who were kidnapped in Yemen in May have been freed. They were captured by suspected Al-Qa'ida militants in Seyun, 600km east of Sana'a.

The captives, two women and a man, were working for the French charity Triangle Generation Humanitaire. France's President Nicolas Sarkozy thanked the Sultan of Oman for his help in securing their release.

A statement released by Sarkozy's office, said: "The president warmly thanks the Sultan of Oman and the Omanese authorities for their crucial help, as well as all those who contributed to this happy resolution."

The French authorities are yet to reveal more details about the circumstance of the release. The captives appeared in video footage in September, saying the demands of their abductors had not been met.

Sources: BBC News, Reuters, Bloomberg

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