A Japanese engineer abducted by armed Yemeni tribesmen Nov. 15 was freed early Tuesday Japan time along with his local driver, government officials said in Tokyo.
Takeo Mashimo, 63, who was working on a government-affiliated project, appeared to be in good health, the Foreign Ministry announced.
"I am relieved to have been safely released," Mashimo reportedly said over the phone after he was freed. "Please tell my family that I am O.K."