Peter Theo Curtis, an author and freelance journalist from Massachusetts, was released today after more than 22 months in captivity in Syria. Curtis had been held by Jabhat Al-Nusrah, an Al Qaeda affiliate in Syria. He was captured shortly after crossing into Syria in October 2012.
“My heart is full at the extraordinary, dedicated, incredible people who have become my friends and have tirelessly helped us over these many months,” said Nancy Curtis, Theo Curtis’ mother. “Please know that we will be eternally grateful.”
Al Jazeera was first to report the news around 9amET. His release was in due in part because of the efforts of the government of Qatar. In reporting the story, Al Jazeera America pointed out that its parent company is funded by the government of Qatar.
Curtis’ release comes four days after the beheading of American journalist James Foley at the hands of ISIS militants. That group also claims to be holding journalist Steven Soltoff.