UK hostage thanks UAE forces after Yemen rescue

Bob Semple, the British hostage who was released by UAE forces in Yemen, said on Tuesday he was very grateful for the assistance of the UAE.

Semple was working as a petroleum engineer in the Hadramaut area when he was kidnapped in February 2014 but last week UAE Armed Forces operating in Aden reached the location in Yemen where the UK citizen was being held by the terrorist Al Qaeda organisation.

During a military intelligence operation, the UAE forces freed Semple, taking him to Aden from where he was flown on a UAE military aircraft to Abu Dhabi.

In comments published by news agency WAM, Semple said: "I am delighted and relieved to be back home safely and to be reunited with my family after such a long time.

"My wife Sallie and I want to thank all 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. 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."

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, telephoned British Prime Minister David Cameron at the weekend to inform him that the UAE Armed Forces had freed Semple and taken him to Abu Dhabi.

On arrival in Abu Dhabi, Semple was received at the airport by UAE officials and the British Ambassador. He was immediately taken to hospital for checks on his state of health.

The UAE authorities also arranged for Semple to speak with his wife by telephone to inform her that he had been rescued and was safe.