He was held hostage in Mali since 1224 days. Dutch Sjaak Rijke was released early Monday morning, after an operation led by French special forces. Kidnapped in late 2011 on the terrace of a hotel in Timbuktu, Sjaak Rijke appeared last November on a video of AQIM with , since released. He was found in a desert area in the far north of Mali.
"It was for us, for our forces, a surprise for freeing the hostage, because we do not have information on the presence of this hostage. But being aware of the existence of this terrorist group, he could bring him an attack while preserving the hostage's life, it's really a beautiful satisfaction "
explained François Hollande,
on the sidelines of a movement in Ain.
The operation of the French special forces also helped capture several individuals. However, two hostages, a South African and a Swede, who had been kidnapped along Sjaak Rijke, are still in the hands of their captors.
The announcement of the release was greeted with great relief in the Netherlands. Before being removed in Mali where he spent his holidays, Sjaak Rijke officiated as train driver. Her colleagues are eager to see him again. '' I hope he will be able to return to normal life, whether at work or elsewhere. I hope he will find happiness, '' said one of them.
Sjaak Rijke's wife flew Monday for Bamako, where she must find her husband after more than three years of separation.
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