Norwegian kidnapped in Yemen now released

“I am very pleased and relieved that the Norwegian who was kidnapped in Yemen has been released and that he is unharmed,” said Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. 

The Norwegian was in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, when he was kidnapped on 15 January 2012 by armed men. He was released  on 27 January. The Norwegian is now in a safe location in Sanaa. 

“I would like to thank the Yemeni authorities for the determination they have shown in negotiating the Norwegian’s release. I also greatly appreciate the close cooperation we have had with the UN, both in Sanaa and in New York,” said Mr Støre. 

The man was held captive by persons belonging to a Yemeni tribe in the province of Marib.