Latvian pilots released from captivity in Darfur

Three Latvian helicopter crewmen working for the World Food Programme were released on Wednesday after more than one month in captivity. The men had been abducted at gunpoint on November 4 in a residential neighborhood of Nyala, Darfur.According to the state news agency, security and intelligence authorities in West and South Darfur were able to secure their release. The operation did not involve violence. Both WFP and the Sudanese government confirmed that the men are now free.

The hostages were Artjoms Nalbandjans, Janis Gindra and Kaspars Reihlers. “We are delighted that these three men have been freed and our thoughts are with their families in Latvia, who will be reunited with them in the coming days,” said WFP Executive Director Josette Sheeran in a statement. “Now we can all celebrate their freedom.”