June 26 (UPI) -- Sweden's Foreign Ministry said al-Qaida has released Johan Gustafsson, who was held hostage in Mali since 2011.
Swedish Foreign Minister Margot Wallström on Monday said Gustafsson, 42, is flying back to Sweden from Africa.
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"It is with great pleasure that I can announce that Johan Gustafsson has been released and can return to Sweden. Johan's situation has touched many of us, and extensive efforts have been made to secure his release," the ministry said in a statement.
Al-Qaida in the Islamic Maghreb captured Gustafsson along with two other men, both of whom are free, during a 2011 motorcycle trip in Mali.
