Saudi says frees two German children held in Yemen

RIYADH May 18 (Reuters) - Saudi Arabian security forces have freed two German children held hostage in Yemen from an area near the border with Saudi Arabia, an interior ministry spokesman said on Tuesday.

A German family of five and a Briton have been missing in Yemen since last June, held by kidnappers who the government believes have links to al Qaeda. There was no immediate word on the fate of the other hostages.

The missing Europeans were among a group of nine foreigners kidnapped in the northern region of Saada, of which three women -- two Germans and a South Korean -- were later found dead. (Writing by Cynthia Johnston; Editing by Louise Ireland)