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US journalist released from Syria 'overwhelmed with emotion'

A US journalist released earlier this week after almost two years of imprisonment in Syria said he was "overwhelmed with emotion" because of the attention he has received upon returning home.

Peter Theo Curtis, 45, was captured in 2012 by Nusra Front and was only released on Sunday.

He said: "I suddenly remember how good the American people are, and what kindness they have in their hearts."

Meanwhile, Douglas McAuthur McCain, 33, who is suspected of fighting with Islamic State militants operating in Iraq and Syria, has been killed in the Middle East, a US security official has said.

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UK delivers water and shelter to Mount Sinjar refugees

The UK has delivered aid to Yazidi refugees stuck on Mount Sinjar. Credit: Reuters

UK aid delivered to Iraq's Mount Sinjar overnight consisted of 2,400 reusable water purification containers filled with clean water and 480 shelter kits to provide shade in temperatures of over 40C.

International Development Secretary Justine Greening said:

The British people can be proud that much-needed aid supplies from the UK are getting through to help vulnerable people in northern Iraq who are facing terrible conditions. After last night the RAF has successfully made seven drops, including thousands of containers filled with clean water that can also purify dirty water and hundreds of shelter kits to provide shade from the scorching heat.

– Justine Greening

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