Al Shabaab militants have released two Cuban doctors who were kidnapped in Mandera in 2019 while on their way to duty.
ABC News reported that a senior Somali intelligence official disclosed the information to The Associated Press.
The duo, Landy Rodriguez and Herera Correa were accosted by the militants in a raid which saw one journalist shot dead.
The doctors were released by the terror group following months of successful negotiations with the Somali Intelligence who acted on behalf of the Cuban Government.
Bruno RodrĂguez, Cuba’s foreign minister, in a social media post confirmed their release and thanked the Somali government for its help.
The minister stated that he had spoken with Somalia’s foreign minister, Ahmed Isse Awad.
“I had a telephone conversation with the Somalian Foreign Minister Mr. Ahmed Isse Awad. I appreciated the support and efforts of his government to guarantee the safe return of our kidnapped doctors,” Rodrigiuez tweeted.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Ministry declined to comment on the development.
In December 2019, Cuban Council of Ministers Vice President, Ines Maria Chapman had issued an update on the health of the two medics.
Chapman detailed that the two were being treated well and were alive.
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“The Kenyan authorities ratified that both doctors are well and will continue efforts for their safe return, she stated.
The two doctors were part of the first 100 foreign doctors dispatched to work in Kenya owing to negotiations between Kenya and Cuba.
