An 88-year-old Australian doctor held captive by al-Qaida-linked extremists in West Africa for over seven years has been freed and has returned to Australia. Ken Elliott was safe and well and was reunited with his wife and their children on Thursday, Australian foreign minister Penny Wong said.
Elliott and his wife were kidnapped in Burkina Faso, where they had run a medical clinic for four decades. Jocelyn Elliott was released three weeks later.
“We wish to express our thanks to God and who have continued to pray for us,” Elliott’s family said.
Wong said no ransom was paid to secure Elliott’s freedom, but no other details on his release were disclosed. Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb was the group behind the abduction.
Elliott and his wife were kidnapped in Burkina Faso, where they had run a medical clinic for four decades. Jocelyn Elliott was released three weeks later.
“We wish to express our thanks to God and who have continued to pray for us,” Elliott’s family said.
Wong said no ransom was paid to secure Elliott’s freedom, but no other details on his release were disclosed. Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb was the group behind the abduction.