Spanish al-Qaeda hostages freed (in North Africa)

[Turborama]

Source: Al Jazeera English

Two Spanish aid workers held hostage by al-Qaeda's north African branch have been released, putting an end to a nine-month kidnapping ordeal, Spain's government has confirmed.

"They are safe and sound after 268 days in the hands of their kidnappers," Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Spain's prime minister, said on Monday.

"This brings an end to an act of terrorism that should never have happened."

Albert Vilalta, 35, and Roque Pascual, 50, were taken hostage by al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) while on a relief aid convoy through Mauritania in November last year.

Read more: http://english.aljazeera.net/news/africa/2010/08/2010823133654511834.html

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Albert Vilalta, centre, was captured with two
colleagues in November 2009 (AFP - File pic)