King is in custody. In a statement, Pentagon spokesperson Brig. Gen. Patrick Ryder thanked the Swedish and Chinese governments for their assistance in securing the release of Pte. King.
As there are no diplomatic ties between the United States and North Korea, the Swedish embassy in Pyongyang has traditionally negotiated on behalf of the United States.
During the King case, a Swedish embassy spokesman confirmed that Sweden acted “within its role as a protective power” for the United States in North Korea.
The US Department of State and the White House did not comment on the matter immediately.
According to Reuters, a spokesman for the King family stated that “no substantive comment” was expected at this time.
His relatives have previously informed US media that he faced discrimination while serving in the United States military.
According to reports, his mental health deteriorated during his time in South Korean custody.
Travis King In US Custody After North Korea Expulsion.
Claudine Gates, the mother of Pte. told the Associated Press last month that her son had “so many reasons to come home.”
She stated, “I cannot imagine him ever wanting to stay in Korea when he has family in the United States.”
Pte King’s release by North Korea after 71 days is rapid compared to other Americans the country has previously detained.
Analysts hypothesized that Pyongyang may have used the American soldier as a diplomatic bargaining tool.
Mick Mulroy, a former deputy assistant secretary of defense and CIA paramilitary officer, told the BBC that Pte King’s return to US custody is “a good thing,” even though he “is a young man who made mistakes.”
Mr. Mulroy continued, “He is an American soldier, so it was imperative that we did everything possible to bring him home.”
SOURCE – (BBC)
