American Held Hostage in Iraq Since November is Rescued

Coalition forces rescued two hostages on Wednesday who had been held in Iraq by insurgents since last November. One of the two hostages was an American contractor working in Iraq, the other an Iraqi national.

Roy Hallums had been held hostage since last November according to U.S. military forces. Hallums and the Iraqi man had been held on an isolated farm house approximately 15 miles south of Baghdad.

An Iraqi detainee apparently gave coalition forces tips that led to the rescue of Hallums.

After his release, Hallums issued a statement through American military officials stating, 'I want to thank all of those who were involved in my rescue -- to those who continuously tracked my captors and location, and to those who physically brought me freedom today.

'To all of you, I will be forever grateful. Both of us are in good health and look forward to returning to our respective families. Thank you to all who kept me and my family in their thoughts and prayers.'

Hallums telephoned his ex-wife, Susan Hallums, at home on Wednesday.

'He said that he was well, and he was heading home soon,' Susan Hallums told CNN.

Prior to calling his ex-wife, he called his younger daughter Amanda who is presently living in Memphis. He told her, 'I was rescued. I love you. I am sorry I'm a little late for Thanksgiving.'

Hallums worked for a Saudi-based food company doing business in Iraq. He was abducted in the Mansour neighborhood of Baghdad on November 1 along with five other people. The other four hostages have since been released.

Hallums, 56, was last seen in a video released by his captors last January.

According to Susan Hallums, her ex-husband had been tied and bound and could not walk well but was in otherwise good condition. He is expected to get a full physical and a debriefing from intelligence officials before returning home to his family.