Australian aid worker rescued in Afghanistan

Australian officials said on Monday that Wilson had been freed, while offering few details as to when and how.

The aid worker, said to be aged around 60 years, was kidnapped from Jalalabad by masked gunmen several months ago while attending an embroidery project. Commenting on her release, officials would not reveal who was behind the abduction.

The National Directorate of Security, Afghanistan's spy agency, said Kerry was rescued during a special operation. "As a result of our efforts, she has been safely released," the agency said in a statement. "Several suspects have been detained and our investigation is still going on."

In a statement, Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop (pictured above) hailed Wilson's release. "I confirm that Kerry Jane Wilson, who was abducted in Afghanistan in April this year, has been released, and she is now safe and well," Bishop said.

Other hostages

Bishop said the secrecy surrounding Wilson's abduction and release is largely out of consideration for those still being held hostage.

"To protect those who remain captive or face the risk of kidnapping in Afghanistan and elsewhere, the government will not comment on the circumstances of Kerry Jane's release," the foreign minister said.

Earlier in August, an Australian man and his American colleague, both professors at the American University of Afghanistan, were abducted from their car in Kabul. They remain in captivity.

Aid workers in the country have increasingly become the targets of militant groups. In June, an Indian citizen working for a non-governmental organization (NGO) was kidnapped, only to be rescued in July.

blc/jm (AFP, dpa)