Saudi Arabia and the United States mounted a joint operation in January to rescue two young American women who were held captive by the Iran-backed Houthi militias in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa.
Defense Ministry spokesman Turki al-Malki confirmed the operation, saying it was an "extension of the firm partnership and joint security coordination and military cooperation between the Saudi and American governments."
The women were transported from Houthi-held Sanaa to the interim Yemeni capital Aden and later to flown to the Saudi capital Riyadh. They were provided with the necessary healthcare and turned over to American officials.
Malki said the women were captured while on a family visit in Sanaa and their passports were confiscated. He confirmed that they were mistreated.
The operation was carried out at Washington's request.
"It is an embodiment of the firm relations between Saudi Arabia and the US," added Malki. "It also represents the ongoing military cooperation and security coordination in service of joint interests and national security of both countries."
A State Department spokesperson confirmed the rescue operation, saying in a statement: "We assisted with the safe return of two US citizens from an area of Yemen currently under Houthi control."
The spokesperson said the department was grateful for the assistance of "our Saudi and Yemeni partners ... in facilitating their safe departure. Due to privacy considerations, we have nothing further."
