US pastor detained in Turkey may soon be released

An American pastor may soon be released after two years of captivity in Turkey.

A person involved in efforts to free Andrew Brunson says the 50-year-old evangelical pastor from North Carolina could be freed at his next court appearance on Friday.

The person spoke on condition of anonymity because officials had not yet reached a final agreement on the release and it could still fall through.

State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters that the US is hopeful he will soon go free but said she was unaware of any agreement on his release.

President Donald Trump has demanded his release, and his case has added further complications to an already strained relationship.

"I'm very hopeful that before too long Pastor Brunson ... and his wife will be able to return to the United States," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Wednesday.

"It's the right thing for (Turkey) to do, it's the humanitarian thing for Turkey to do."