Two Spanish aid workers kidnapped in Kenya released

By Standard Digital Reporter

Two Spanish aid workers kidnapped in Kenya nearly two years ago and held over the border in Somali have been freed, their employer has said.

Medecins Sans Frontieres said the two women were both "safe and healthy and keen to join their loved ones".

Montserrat Serra and Blanca Thiebaut were abducted from Dadaab refugee camp in October 2011.

Following their abduction and those of other hostages, Kenya sent troops into Somalia to battle Islamist militants.

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In a statement, MSF said it was with great relief that the organisation was able to confirm the women's release.

"MSF wishes to thank everyone involved in securing their safe release," it said, without giving further details about how they were freed.

"As we are still working on the return of the two girls to their homes, we ask you to respect their need for privacy at this time."

Dadaab refugee camp houses some 500,000 people who have fled years of conflict and drought across the border in Somalia.