SANA’A, Aug. 12 – Inconsistent reports continue with respect to the release of Saudi Deputy Consul Abdullah Al-Khalidi, who was abducted by Al-Qaeda four months ago in Aden.

Prominent Sheikh Tareq Al-Fadhli confirmed to Al-Masdar online news website on Saturday that Al-Qaeda members released Al-Khalidi on Saturday evening; however, a tribal mediator who spoke with various publications said that Al-Qaeda retreated from setting Al-Khalidi free due to disputes over ransom. Reports suggest Al-Qaeda has doubled the ransom to $20 million.

Al-Khalidi was kidnapped while leaving his house in Aden this past March. His kidnapping resulted in the close of the Saudi embassy for months.

Mohammed Al-Mawiri, information assistant at the Interior Ministry, said that, to date, the veracity of the news has not been proved or disproved.

There is news about the release of Al-Khalidi, yet it has not been confirmed as yet, said Ismael Al-Mabari, a reporter at the Interior Ministry. Al-Mabari said it is likely Al-Khalidi has been released.

"Perhaps the Interior Ministry obscures his release for the purpose of some security procedures,” Al-Mabari said.

A source from the president’s office told many publications that Al-Khalidi will return to his home in the company of President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi, who will go to Saudi Arabia to attend an Islamic summit slated to be held there.

The Yemen Times attempted to contact the Saudi embassy in Sana'a to obtain further details but was unable to reach anyone in the embassy.