Norwegian anti-terror unit helped free German hostage - report

Aug 21, 2007, 10:23 GMT

Oslo - Norwegian anti-terror specialists played a major role in the operation which freed a German woman hostage in Afghanistan, a prominent newspaper reported Tuesday in Oslo.

The Aftenposten newspaper did not cite any sources for its story which pointed out that among the Norwegian army contingent in Afghanistan the special FSK/HJK unit of ranger soldiers. This unit is under the US-led command for combating terrorism in Kabul, above all hostage-taking, the report said.

In the action on Monday, German aid worker Christina M. was freed and four kidnappers were captured without a shot being fired. The 31- year-old woman flew from Kabul on Tuesday for home.

Afterwards, German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier thanked Norway for its help in the action, without going into specific details.

Norwegian officials have declined to comment on the Aftenposten report.