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CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — An Australian aid worker kidnapped in Afghanistan in April has been freed by Afghan forces after four months in captivity, officials said Monday.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop did not provide details about the release of Kerry Jane Wilson, but gave credit to Afghan authorities.
Wilson, who is in her 60s, has been living in Afghanistan for years and runs Zardozi, an organization that helps support impoverished Afghan women by selling embroidered items they make.
"She is now safe and well. I am relieved for Kerry Jane and her family with whom I have remained in close contact," Bishop said in a statement.
"I deeply appreciate the work of the authorities in Afghanistan whose support and assistance facilitated her release, as well as Australian consular staff who continue to provide assistance to Ms. Wilson and her family," she said.
Wilson was kidnapped on April 28 in the eastern city of Jalalabad.
The Afghan intelligence service confirmed that Wilson was freed in a special operation in eastern Afghanistan. At least three suspects were arrested, a statement said.
It did not say who was behind the kidnapping, but said an investigation was under way.
Wilson's Australian family had requested privacy, Bishop said.
Australia says it never pays ransom to kidnappers.
An Australian and an American were kidnapped in early August in the capital, Kabul, by five gunmen wearing Afghan military uniforms.
Three other foreigners who were kidnapped in Kabul over the past year have all been released.
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