French citizen held captive released by Yemeni Houthis

Alain Goma, a French citizen who had been held captive in Yemen by Houthi forces, was freed on Tuesday, a statement from the French president's office said.

In the statement, President Emmanuel Macron acknowledged the assistance of Saudi authorities and of Oman's Sultan Qaboos bin Said al-Said in bringing about Goma's release.

Goma had been in prison in the Yemen capital Sanaa, which is under Houthi control, after being transferred from the Red Sea port of Hodeidah, where his boat ran into difficulties in June.

(With inputs from agencies.)