Cuba Releases US Contractor Alan Gross after 5 Years

United States contractor Alan Gross held in Cuba since 2009 was released by the government on Wednesday, as part of a swap deal , said US officials.

"This morning, Alan Gross has departed Cuba on a US government plane bound for the United States," an administration official said in a statement. "Mr. Gross was released on humanitarian grounds by the Cuban government at the request of the United States."

President Obama is expected to announce Gross' release at noon. Another US intelligence 'source' held in Cuba for the past 20 years was released and US on its part released 3 Cuban intelligence men held in the country since 2001.

This deal is seen as a major policy shift on the part of Untied States since the 1960s. The President is also expected to announce a broad range of regulatory and diplomatic measures.

Gross traveled to Cuba under an international development program to deliver satellite phones and accessories to the Jewish people settled on the island.

He was arrested by the Cuban authorities in 2011 for fomenting dissent and setting up a spying network . He was arrested and given a 15 year jail term.

Changing attitudes in both the countries paved the way for his release.

"We are charting a new course toward Cuba," a senior administration official said, reports CNN. "The President understood the time was right to attempt a new approach, both because of the beginnings of changes in Cuba and because of the impediment this was causing for our regional policy."

Efforts were ongoing to seek Gross's release as he was reported to be in failing health. He finished 5 years in prison early December.