Spain paid off Al Qaeda

The Spanish government paid out nearly seven million euros to obtain the release of three Spanish aid workers held by Al Qaeda's North African affiliate, El Mundo reported on Tuesday.

The Spanish government paid out nearly seven million euros to obtain the release of three Spanish aid workers held by Al Qaeda's North African affiliate, El Mundo reported on Tuesday.

HT Image

The newspaper said Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) had demanded 3.8 million euros in return for the three hostages seized in Mauritania in November and later held in Mali.

One of the hostages, 39-year-old Alicia Gamez, was freed in March following the initial payment. The last of the hostages were released on Monday.