United Nations Secretary - General Javier Perez de Cuellar said American citizen Terry Anderson had been freed today by his Shiite Muslim captors and was safely in Syrian hands . Earlier in the day , it was not clear where Anderson was , despite reports from Arab and Western officials that he was released and turned over to the Syrians . Heavy snow delayed Anderson 's transfer from Beirut to Damascus , which caused the confusion about Anderson 's whereabouts . " The causes of this troubled episode are complex and difficult , " Anderson said in a statement . ; This week's releases follow by days " It is these causes which must be redressed and eliminated . The holding of innocent people by anyone solves nothing . "
United Nations Secretary - General Javier Perez de Cuellar said American citizen Terry Anderson had been freed today by his Shiite Muslim captors and was safely in Syrian hands . Earlier in the day , it was not clear where Anderson was , despite reports from Arab and Western officials that he was released and turned over to the Syrians . Heavy snow delayed Anderson 's transfer from Beirut to Damascus , which caused the confusion about Anderson 's whereabouts . " The causes of this troubled episode are complex and difficult , " Anderson said in a statement . " It is these causes which must be redressed and eliminated . The holding of innocent people by anyone solves nothing . "