Relief as NI Afghan hostage freed unharmed

The family of Northern Ireland born UN worker Annetta Flanigan have expressed their relief as she was freed today unharmed following her month-long hostage ordeal in Afghanistan.

The exact circumstance of Ms Flanigan’s release and that of her two colleagues, Kosovan Shqipe Habibi and Filipino diplomat Angelito Nayan, is unclear but a spokesperson for the Afghan government denied any deal had been done with the kidnappers.

In a statement issued through the Foreign Office on Tuesday, her family said they were “absolutely overjoyed” at the news.

"After all the terrible anxiety of the last 27 days it is an incredible relief to know that Annetta is safe and well and now reunited with her husband, Jose,” the statement read.

"We wish to express our sincere gratitude to all those who have worked so hard to secure Annetta's release.

"As a family we remain very grateful for everyone's concern about Annetta's well-being and for all the messages of support we have received from family and friends, and also from people all over the world.

"We have been sustained by these messages and the great kindness shown by the wider community. Knowing that we have been in so many people's thoughts and prayers has been a great source of comfort to us."

The three UN workers were kidnapped on 28 October when a group of armed men, believed to have been the Army of Muslims, stopped their vehicle, pulled them out and then drove them away at high speed.

A video was later released from the group showing the hostages slumped against a wall demanding the release of 26 prisoners in return for their lives.

(MB/SP)