American hostage freed after months of capture

(Photo: New York Times)

by Cas Szulc
edited by Tyler Comeau

American hostage Danny Lavone Burch has been released and reunited with his family after being abducted about 18 months ago, according to the New York Times.

President Donald Trump announced on Monday that Burch has been “recovered and reunited with his wife and children.” It is not yet certain who had captured Burch. Reports say that he was approached in a car by an unidentified gunman in September 2017 and was forced out. Officials stated that he was not being held by any members of Al Qaeda. 

The recovery was aided with the help of the United Arab Emirates. “I appreciate the support of the United Arab Emirates in bringing Danny home. Danny’s recovery reflects the best of what the United States & its partners can accomplish,” said Trump.

Burch was an engineer at an oil company in Yemen.  No groups claimed responsibility for Burch’s kidnapping.