KUNDUZ: A Spanish employee of the Red Cross who was abducted in northern Afghanistan has been released, the international charity said on Sunday, nearly a month after he was snatched by gunmen.

Juan Carlos was kidnapped on December 19 when workers from the charity were travelling between Mazar-e-Sharif city and the volatile Taliban hotbed of Kunduz. Carlos was taken while three of his colleagues were left unharmed.

The International Committee of the Red Cross said Carlos had been returned to their team in Kunduz, but did not say how he was released or who was behind the abduction.

“We are relieved and grateful that Juan Carlos is now back with us, safe and sound,” Monica Zanarelli, head of the ICRC delegation in Afghanistan, said in a statement.

“His abduction was a terrible ordeal for him, as well as for his family, friends and colleagues. Our priority now is Juan Carlos’ well-being and getting him home to his family.”

Published in Dawn, January 16th, 2017