Trump announces release of US hostage held in Venezuela

United States President Donald Trump on Saturday announced the release of a Utah man who has been held prisoner in Venezuela for two years.

Trump took to Twitter to announce the "good news" that will make "great people of Utah" "very happy."

"Good news about the release of the American hostage from Venezuela. Should be landing in D.C. this evening and be in the White House, with his family, at about 7:00 P.M. The great people of Utah will be very happy!," tweeted the US President.

"Looking forward to seeing Joshua Holt this evening in the White House. The great people of Utah are Celebrating!" Trump, wrote, in another tweet.

US Senator Orrin Hatch, in a statement, posted on Twitter, wrote, "I'm pleased to announce that after two years of hard work, we've secured the release of Josh and Thamy Holt, who are now on their way home to the United States from Venezuela.

Over the last two years I've worked with two Presidential administrations, countless diplomatic contacts, ambassadors from all over the world, a network of contacts in Venezuela, and President Maduro himself, and I could not be more honored to be able to reunite Josh with his sweet, long-suffering family in Riverton.

I want to thank Chairman Bob Corker for his pivotal efforts, and that of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for their help in this effort. I want to particularly thank Caleb McCarry, whose expertise and effort in Venezuela on my behalf has been instrumental in bringing Josh home."

According to the US media, the 26-year-old Joshua Holt who hails from Utah has been held in a Venezuelan prison on allegations of spying for the U.S.

Holt was married to a Venezuelan woman who also was arrested when she came to pay a visit to him in prison, the reports said.