Alabama POW's Released After Over 100 Days in Captivity

Alex Drueke, the Tuscaloosa man who was captured by Russian forces in Ukraine in June, is free and soon to return to the United States after being held captive for 104 days.

As previously reported by the Tuscaloosa Thread, Drueke and fellow Alabama resident and Andy Huynh went missing on June 9 following a battle near the town of Izbytske in Ukraine.

Get our free mobile app

Drueke's aunt and de facto family spokesperson, Diana Shaw, confirmed the news to Mike Dubberly with WBRC Fox 6, who shared confirmation of the men's release on Twitter.

Just last Friday, Drueke's family was bracing for "all possible outcomes" as Ukrainian forces pushed back against Russia in a stunning counter-offensive that created a volatile situation in the area of the country where the Alabama men were believed to be held captive.

Shaw said in a statement shared by Rick Karle at WVTM that Drueke and Huynh will be back in the United States soon.

The Thread is working to independently confirm Drueke and Huynh's release.

This is a developing story. Stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread for updates as they become available.