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Australian Hostage Freed In Afghanistan


Map - Afghanistan
Map - Afghanistan

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop says an Australian aid worker who had been kidnapped in Afghanistan has been freed and is "safe."

Bishop said on August 29 that Katherine Jane Wilson was taken hostage in the city of Jalalabad in late April.

Ataullah Khogyani, a spokesman for the governor of Nangarhar Province, said Wilson had been visiting the city for a women's embroidery project when gunmen abducted her.

Khogyani said she was taken from a home at which she was staying by gunmen disguised as police.

Bishop, who has said Australia does not pay ransom to kidnappers, would not provide details of how Wilson was freed.

"I deeply appreciate the work of the authorities in Afghanistan whose support and assistance facilitated her release," Bishop said.

It was not reported exactly when Wilson -- who is a veteran aid worker -- was released.

Based on reporting by AFP and dpa
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