UPDATED: Bulgarian hostages released by Yemen's Houthis return home

The Houthis justified their actions as a sign of solidarity with the Palestinian people, who became victims of the conflict between the Palestinian militant group Hamas and Israel. The release of the Bulgarians was made possible following the entry into force of the agreement between Israel and Hamas.

At a briefing, immediately after the Bulgarians' arrival, Minister of Foreign Affairs Georg Georgiev noted that this is a success that has been driven by the thought of humanity, with the goal of bringing the sailors back to Bulgaria.

Earlier, Minister Georgiev valued the efforts of the Sultanate of Oman in securing the release of the Bulgarians. He expressed the appreciation of Bulgaria for the support and positive attitude during the whole process. Speaking to Oman News Agency, Minister Georgiev emphasized that this initiative is a clear sign not only of cooperation and diplomatic efforts but also of friendship between Oman and Bulgaria.

• Yemen's Houthis release Galaxy Leader crew, including two Bulgarians
  

For their part, Captain Chanev and Chief Mate Veselinov said they were very grateful for the efforts to arrange their release and for the support of their families. They pointed out that the kidnappers had treated them fairly well, thanks to the friendly relations between Bulgaria and Yemen. They had met all the needs of the Bulgarian sailors within reasonable limits. Chanev and Veselinov told the media that they never doubted for a moment that they would be released.

Speaking to journalists at the airport in Sofia, Elena Yoncheva, the MEP who facilitated the release of the two Bulgarians, pointed out that this success was the result of an extraordinary effort over a year by all institutions and showed that when Bulgarian citizens are in trouble anywhere in the world, the Bulgarian state is fully capable of mobilising and doing everything possible to bring them home.