Sydney/Kabul: An Australian aid worker kidnapped in Afghanistan four months ago was freed following a raid by Afghan special forces near the eastern city of Jalalabad, officials said on Monday.
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Katherine Jane Wilson, said to be aged around 60, is “safe and well”, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop said, without disclosing when she was released or who was behind her abduction. “Her family has asked for privacy”, she said.
The statement added that several suspects have been detained in connection with the kidnapping adding, investigations are underway.
Wilson, who ran an organization known as Zardozi, which promotes the work of Afghan artisans, and particularly women, was a well-known non-governmental organization (NGO) worker.
This month, an Australian and an American, both teachers at the American University of Afghanistan, were kidnapped in the capital, Kabul.
“I am relieved for Kerry Jane, and her family with whom I have remained in close contact”.
No group including the Taliban militants has so far claimed responsibility for the abduction of the aid worker. They were safely evacuated to Kabul and were flown out of the country.
She had been living in Afghanistan for the past 20 years working with a range of aid groups.
At the time of the kidnapping, Zardozi’s board chairman Dominic d’Angelo said Ms Wilson was taken from the charity’s office at gunpoint. She was rescued in July.
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Australia says it does not pay ransoms for hostages.
