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Somali pirates free U.S. journalist after 2 years

American journalist Michael Scott Moore was abducted in 2012 while researching piracy in Somalia; he was released Tuesday.

By JC Finley

MOGADISHU, Somalia, Sept. 23 (UPI) -- Somali pirates have freed U.S. journalist Michael Scott Moore, who was held captive for more than two years.

Ahmed Muse, the governor of Somalia's Mudug region, told CNN that the journalist, whom he described as "physically and mentally" exhausted, was released following negotiations by local elders.

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Moore reportedly boarded a plane in Galkayo, in the north-central region of the country, and landed in Mogadishu, the Somali capital. His final destination is unclear.

The 45-year-old U.S.-German dual citizen was kidnapped by an unspecified armed group in January 2012 while conducting research on piracy for a book.

The German newspaper Der Spiegel, where Moore worked as a freelancer, welcomed news of his release. Editor-in-Chief Wolfgang Buchner said "We never gave up hope and are now rejoicing with Michael and his family that this nightmare has finally come to an end."

It is unclear whether a ransom was paid for his release.

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