Cameroon military frees captives held by CAR rebels

YAOUNDE, Cameroon, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- Cameroon's military was credited Wednesday with rescuing hostages taken by rebels from the Central African Republic.

According to a press release from the office of Cameroonian President Paul Biya, the country's defense and security forces secured the release of 15 Cameroonians abducted in the eastern region by CAR rebels between Sept. 20 and Oct. 24. They also rescued Polish priest Maetusz Dziedzic who had been held hostage since Oct. 12.

Biya thanked "all those who from far or near contributed to this happy end," including Congo-Brazzaville's President Sassou Nguesso, who acted as a mediator.

Poland's foreign ministry confirmed Dziedzic's release and said that his "condition isn't perfect but he's feeling fine and there is no threat to his life."

Although Cameroon's government did not identify the group responsible for the abductions, Poland's Pontifical Mission Societies said the Democratic Front of the Central African Republic had been responsible for Dziedzic's kidnapping, and had hoped to exchange the priest for FDPC leader Abdoulaye Miskine.

Miskine, a former member of the Seleka rebel coalition, was arrested in Cameroon in Sept. 2013 on suspicion of planning to launch attacks against CAR from Cameroon.