Travis King: Soldier returns to US on military flight after North Korea expulsion

An American soldier who fled into North Korea has arrived back in the US after being expelled by Pyongyang.

Travis King arrived on Thursday at an armed forces base in Texas on a military flight.

He had on Wednesday been transferred into US custody in China before being flown to a US military base in South Korea.

He landed at Kelly Field at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston around 1.30am local time today, a Defence Department official told CNN.

Video appeared to capture him dressed in civilian clothes, speaking briefly to people waiting on the tarmac and shaking hands with one person before being led into a building.

The 23-year-old reconnaissance specialist illegally crossed into North Korea in July.

North Korean media said he had fled because of “inhuman treatment” and racism within the US military.

Before entering North Korea, he had served two months in detention in South Korea on charges that he assaulted two people and kicked a police car.

A senior administration official said yesterday that after months of “intense diplomacy” King had been returned to US hands and had spoken to his family.

“We can confirm Pvt King is very happy to be on his way home, and he is very much looking forward to reuniting with his family,” the official said.