American Jeffrey Fowle was released from a North Korean prison Tuesday, almost six months after being detained for leaving a bible at a Chongjin nightclub. North Korea officials didn't say why he was released.

While Fowle was released, two other Americans - Matthew Miller and Kenneth Bae - continue to be held in North Korea. All three had appeared for separate interviews with American news sources last month. 

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Sweden reportedly negotiated the sudden release of Fowle who was taken by an U.S. Defense Department jet to Guam. The U.S. doesn't have official relations with Pyongyang.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the release was viewed as a positive action. While he said the U.S. certainly welcomed the decision, he called on North Korea to release Miller and Bae too.

The three Americans came to the Democratic People's Republic of North Korea, the nation's officials name, during separate trips. Fowle was considered most likely to be released due to his health and interview during which he apologized for leaving the bible behind. North Korean officials praised him for sincerity.

Miller and Bae weren't so fortunate Tuesday. North Korean officials were said to be displeased with Miller's simple yes-and-no answers to interview questions and demeanor.

Bae has been considered the least likely captive to be released due to his arrest for what is considered the serious crime of Christian evangelism and the belief by outside experts that North Korea wants to hold him up as an example to others who might contemplate doing the same.

Fowle came to the North on April 29. An equipment operator with three children and a Russian wife, he said he left the Bible behind at the nightclub in the Northern port city by mistake. Following an appeal by his wife, Russian President Vladimir Putin even stepped in with an appeal for his release.

TagsJeffrey Fowle, North Korea, Kenneth Bae, Matthew Miller, released, American