Americans freed by North Korea after spy chief mission

WASHINGTON: The last two Americans serving lengthy prison sentences in North Korea were on their way home Saturday after being dramatically freed by the reclusive state following a secret mission by US intelligence chief James Clapper.

The surprise release by North Korea of Americans Kenneth Bae and Matthew Miller followed the equally unexpected decision by Pyongyang last month to free 56-year-old US national Jeffrey Fowle.

President Barack Obama hailed the "wonderful" release, as State Department officials said there had been no "quid pro quo" deal with North Korea to secure Bae and Miller´s freedom.

"The Department of State welcomes the release of US citizens Kenneth Bae and Matthew Todd Miller from the DPRK, where they have been held for two years and seven months, respectively," a statement said.

US Director of National Intelligence Clapper traveled to North Korea and "engaged on behalf of the United States in discussions with DPRK authorities about the release of two citizens," the statement said.

Obama, speaking just hours before leaving for a swing through Asia, welcomed the release, and praised Clapper´s role in the mission.

"I think it is a wonderful day for them and their families and obviously we are very grateful for their safe return," he said.

"I appreciate the director (Clapper) doing a great job on what was obviously a challenging mission," Obama added.