Christian teacher abducted by al-Shabaab rescued in Somalia

A Kenyan Christian teacher has been rescued from al-Shabaab after being kidnapped by the Islamist militant group last week.

Judy Mutua was rescued by the Kenya Defence Forces and Somalia National Army in Somalia on Friday following a shootout with members of al-Shabaab, the Defence ministry said in a statement.

"Ms Mutua is currently receiving treatment at a secured location and will be airlifted by the Kenya Air Force to Nairobi in the course of the day," the statement added.

One abductor was killed during the rescue operation, and another arrested. Four managed to escape with gunshot wounds, KDF regional coordinator Mohamud Saleh told reporters.

In an interview with Kenyan newspaper The Star, he said the Kenyan military "will not rest until all the culprits are brought to book".

Mutua had been abducted in Garissa county, Kenya on October 12. A teacher for the NGO Windle Trust International, the vehicle she was travelling in was attacked as she travelled between two refugee camps.

Al-Shabaab is particularly active in the northeast of Kenya where the Muslim population is more concentrated.

In April, 148 students at Garissa University College were killed by the terrorist group, forcing many schools in Kenya to close after teachers – afraid of further attacks – refused to work.

related articles
Kenya: Christian radio hijacked by possible terrorists

Kenya: Christian radio hijacked by possible terrorists

Kenya: Almost 100 schools forced to close as Christian teachers fear al-Shabaab attacks
Kenya: Almost 100 schools forced to close as Christian teachers fear al-Shabaab attacks

Kenya: Almost 100 schools forced to close as Christian teachers fear al-Shabaab attacks

Four Al-Shabaab militants killed in attack on Somali government site
Four Al-Shabaab militants killed in attack on Somali government site

Four Al-Shabaab militants killed in attack on Somali government site

The Garissa massacre: Stories from the survivors
The Garissa massacre: Stories from the survivors

The Garissa massacre: Stories from the survivors

News
The story of New Year’s resolutions
The story of New Year’s resolutions

1 January is when people traditionally start the new year with a fresh resolution. This is the story …

Young people more grateful to God, study finds
Young people more grateful to God, study finds

A new survey has suggested that 18 to 34 year olds are more likely to believe in God and have transcendental experiences.

Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians
Nigerian government accused of being in denial about persecution of Christians

How can thousands of slain Christians not be persecution?

Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims
Turkey arrested 115 suspected ISIS members, thwarting Christmas and New Year plots against non-Muslims

Turkey has been relatively successful in preventing attacks since 2017.