UNAMID peacekeepers released

EL FASHER (DARFUR), Sudan - Two UNAMID police personnel, Mr. Hasan Al-Mazawdeh and Mr. Qasim Al-Sarhan, abducted on 20 August 2012 in the town of Kabkabiya, located approximately 140 kilometers west of El Fasher, were freed today after 136 days in captivity.

The staff members, nationals of Jordan, were medically checked. Both Mr. Al-Mazawdeh and Mr. Al-Sarhan appear to be unharmed and in good health. They will be flown to Khartoum and back to their home country as soon as possible.

UNAMID Acting Joint Special Representative Aichatou Mindaoudou expressed the Mission's thanks to the Government of Sudan, the Wali (Governor) of North Darfur, and the Government of Jordan for their valuable assistance in the safe release of the peacekeepers.

On 20 August 2012, the two peacekeepers were taken hostage by unidentified assailants while on patrol in Kabkabiya, Northern Darfur.