American Held by Houthi Rebels in Yemen Dies in Detention

An American being held by Houthi rebels in Yemen has died while in detention, the U.S. State Department said Tuesday.

John Hamen, a contractor at a building being used by the United Nations, was detained by rebels at the Sanaa airport on Oct. 20, State Department deputy spokesperson Mark Toner said.

A cause of death has not been determined, Toner said, and no other details were released. Shiite Houthi rebels have been fighting against government forces.

“We express our deepest condolences to his family and friends. State Department officials provided all possible consular assistance to the family,” William Cocks, a spokesperson…

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