- MADRID, Spain: An Al-Qaeda affiliate in North Africa says it released two Spanish aid workers held for nearly nine months after some of its demands were met.
The statement from Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb does not elaborate, but suggests that Spain paid a ransom. The Spanish government has declined comment on a report that money was paid.
Spanish newspaper El Pais said Tuesday it received the statement in an audio clip.
The clip said the release of the two Spaniards should be a lesson to France — which mounted a failed military attempt last month to free a French hostage held by the group.
Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb executed the hostage in retaliation.