UN security staff released in Yemen after 18 months in captivity
(VOVWORLD) - Five United Nations security staff who were kidnapped in Yemen by al Qaeda militants 18 months ago have been released, the United Nations said on Friday.
 Illustrative photo: alarabiyanews |
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the release and "reiterates that kidnapping is an inhumane and unjustifiable crime, and calls for the perpetrators to be held accountable," a UN spokesperson said.
The staff - four from Yemen and one from Bangladesh - were kidnapped in Yemen's southern region of Abyan on Feb. 11, 2022. Yemen-based Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has used a conflict between a Saudi-led coalition and the Iran-aligned Houthis to enhance its influence.