Al-Qaeda in Mali frees Swedish hostage held since 2011

The Swedish government has confirmed that its national who was kidnapped by al-Qaeda in Mali has been released and was being flown back home.

The confirmation of Johan Gustafsson’s release was contained in a statement by Foreign Minister Margot Wallström.

The professional motorcyclist was kidnapped along with two others by al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) group in 2011.

He was picked along with Sjaak Rijke, a Dutchman, and Frenchman Serge Lazarevic.