Romanian abducted by Al Qaeda affiliate group regains freedom after 8 years

A Romanian national, Iulian Ghergut, who was abducted by an Al-Qaeda affiliate group in Burkina Faso in 2015 has regained his freedom.

The 47-year-old was abducted by Al-Mourabitoun while working in a manganese mine near the border with Mali and Niger in April 2015.

The Romanian foreign ministry confirmed his release in a statement on Wednesday.

READ ALSO: Missing Japanese journalist appears in Al Qaeda video

The Romanian government thanked its Moroccan counterpart for its “important support.”

“He (Ghergut) has been released and is currently safe on Romanian territory,” the statement read.

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