4 aid workers rescued in Afghanistan
Kabul, Afghanistan (CNN) -- Four aid workers kidnapped last month in a remote area of northeastern Afghanistan were rescued Saturday morning, the International Security Assistance Force said.
The four worked for
Medair, a nongovernmental organization based in Switzerland. They were
kidnapped by the Taliban in Badakhshan province on May 22, officials
said.
The aid workers -- a
British woman, a Kenyan woman and two Afghans -- were bringing food to
children and pregnant women in the remote and mountainous area when they
were abducted.
The NATO-led coalition did not give any details on the rescue, but confirmed that all four were freed.
The two women were identified as Briton Helen Johnston and Moragwa Oirere, from Kenya.
"They are all now safe.
Helen and Moragwa are receiving support from British Embassy staff in
Kabul," the U.K Foreign Office said. "The two Afghan aid workers are
returning to their families in Badakhshan."
Johnston's family welcomed the news.
"We are delighted and
hugely relieved by the wonderful news that Helen and all her colleagues
have been freed," they said in a statement. "We are deeply grateful to
everyone involved in her rescue, to those who worked tirelessly on her
behalf, and to family and friends for their love, prayers and support
over the last 12 days."
Gen. John R. Allen, commander of the International Security Assistance Force, said it was a joint effort.
"This morning's mission,
conducted by coalition forces, exemplifies our collective and
unwavering commitment to defeat the Taliban," he said.
The U.K. Foreign Office said it is in touch with the families of the two women and the Afghan and Kenyan governments.
"We pay tribute to the
bravery of the coalition forces which means that all four aid workers
will soon be rejoining their families and loved ones. We have worked
closely with the Afghan authorities throughout and we would like to
thank them for their support."
U.K. forces were involved in the "carefully planned and coordinated operation," it added.
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