ABU DHABI // A British man has thanked the UAE forces who ended his 18-month ordeal as a hostage to Al Qaeda in Yemen.
Robert Semple, 64, arrived home in the UK to his wife Sallie on Tuesday and said he was “incredibly grateful” to the Emiratis who secured his release.
“My wife Sallie and I want to thank all of the people who supported us through this ordeal, especially the foreign office, Hostage UK, the police, our family, friends and well-wishers, and the UAE forces who secured my release,” Mr Semple said. “We are incredibly grateful to you all.
“We would also like to thank the media for showing restraint during my 18 months in captivity, and I ask that this continues, allowing me to enjoy some valuable and much-missed time with my family. It is great to be home.”
The oil engineer was kidnapped by Al Qaeda fighters in February last year in the vast Hadramawt region.
His rescue during a UAE military intelligence operation was announced this week.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, contacted British prime minister David Cameron on Saturday to tell him of the operation’s success.
“I’m so pleased for the family of the British hostage in Yemen who has been released safe and well. Thanks to the UAE for their help,” Mr Cameron said.
Mr Semple was flown by UAE military aircraft from Aden to Abu Dhabi, where he was taken to hospital for medical checks before being flown to the UK.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
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