Saudi Arabia secures release of diplomat abducted by al-Qaida in 2012

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, March 2 (UPI) -- A senior diplomat from Saudi Arabia who was taken hostage by al-Qaida in the Arabian Peninsula in 2012 has been freed.

Saudi's Ministry of Interior confirmed Abdullah al-Khalidi had returned safely, the state-run Saudi Press Agency reported Monday.

According to an unnamed official at the ministry, Saudi security services were credited with undertaking "intensive efforts" to secure the former consul's release, although the nature of those efforts was not disclosed.

Al-Khalidi was kidnapped by al-Qaida on March 28, 2012, while on his way to work at the Saudi Consulate in Aden, a southern seaport, in Yemen. Shortly after he was taken, al-Qaida leaders reportedly offered to release him in exchange for a truce with the Yemen military, an offer Yemeni officials declined.

The Saudi interior ministry reiterated Monday it would "spare no effort" in ensuring the safety of Saudi citizens "wherever they are."

Al-Khalidi was expected to undergo medical tests following his return and would be reunited with his family.