From Military.com:
“American Veterans Captured by
Russian-Backed Forces in Ukraine Coming Home, Families Say”
(American volunteer fighters Alex
Drueke and Andy Huynh.)
The families of captured American
volunteer fighters Alex Drueke and Andy Huynh have confirmed to Military.com
that both men have been released from captivity and are heading home. "They
are safely in the custody of the U.S. embassy in Saudi Arabia and, after
medical checks and debriefing they will return to the States," Dianna
Shaw, the relative who has been speaking for the Drueke family, told
Military.com. Darla Black, the mom of Joy Black, Huynh's fiancee, said that the
two men were "coming home together." She added, "We are
overwhelmed, as you can imagine." The men are being released as part of a
larger deal freeing 10 men that was the result of mediation by Saudi Crown
Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Reuters reported earlier Wednesday. Military.com
reached out to the State Department for comment but did not get a reply in time
for publication.
Drueke and Huynh were captured by
Russian or Russian-backed forces in June while fighting in northeastern
Ukraine, near the city of Kharkiv. They were reportedly part of a small
contingent of Ukrainian-backed forces made up of mostly American and French
volunteers called "Task Force Baguette" at the time of their capture.
The two men have spent roughly 100 days in captivity. "We deeply
appreciate everyone's prayers and especially the close communication and
support of our elected officials, Ukrainian Ambassador Markarova, and our
members of the U.S. embassies in Ukraine and Saudi Arabia and the U.S.
Department of State," Shaw said.
^ I’m glad that these Americans
(and Brits, etc.) are being released. ^
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