Yemen: Houthi rebels free 3 American hostages

SANAA, Yemen, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Three Americans are among six hostages being flown to Oman after they were released by Houthi rebels in Yemen on Sunday.

The identities of the hostages, which also include two Saudis and a British national, were not immediately known. They were flown to Muscat, the capital of Oman, where they are expected to be met by family and friends.

The six hostages were reportedly capturedseveral months ago. At least one was a journalist, possibly from Great Britain, who was detained after entering the country without notify Houthi authorities. Shia Houthi have controlled much of Yemen, including Sanaa, since last year.

At the same time, Saudi-led coalition airstrikes continue across Yemen in an effort to restore exiled President Abd Rabbu Mansour Hadi to power.

The United Nations said the fighting has led to up to 4,500 deaths, including 2,000 civilians.