A British national being held in Yemen has been released following a military operation, the Foreign Office has announced.

 

Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond said the hostage had been freed by forces from the United Arab Emirates.

 

The hostage, who has not been officially named, is now "safe and well" and receiving support from British officials, Mr Hammond said.

 

"We are very grateful for the assistance of the UAE," he added.

 

Yemen has seen conflicts between several different groups in recent months, pushing the country "to the edge of civil war", according to the UN's special adviser.

 

Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP) has staged numerous deadly attacks from its strongholds in the south and south-east of the country.

(BBC)