US Army Sergeant Travis King, who had been detained by North Korea since January, was released and returned to the US on September 25, according to the US State Department.

King's release follows weeks of diplomatic talks between the US and North Korea, which have been described as "tense" by both sides.

In a statement, the State Department said they are "pleased that Sergeant King is home safe" and thanked North Korea for its cooperation in securing King's release.

The circumstances surrounding King's detention and release have not been disclosed.