Obama applauds ‘safe return’ of detained Americans

President Obama on Saturday welcomed the release of two U.S. citizens headed home after captivity in North Korea.

He also commended Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, who helped facilitate their release. 

{mosads}”Well I think it is a wonderful day for them and their families,” Obama said, responding to a shouted question following the formal announcement of Loretta Lynch to serve as attorney general. 

“Obviously we are very grateful for their safe return and I appreciate director Clapper doing a great job on what was obviously a challenging mission,” he added. 

Kenneth Bae and Matthew Todd Miller were released from North Korean detention, U.S. officials announced Saturday. Bae had been detained for two years, while Miller had been held for seven months.