Learn about Kids: Kidnapped British aid worker saved by Nato troops in daring Afghanistan raid

parents Helen Johnston "relieved" of the rescue mission in the caves of remote Badakhshan province

The parents of a British aid worker freed after a rescue mission "dramatic" led by NATO in Afghanistan, said Saturday he was "very relieved by the wonderful news."

Helen Johnston, a nutritionist at the age of 28, was conducted with three colleagues in remote caves in the mountainous Badakhshan province northeast since May 22 after being captured by an armed group then travel by donkey to the relief project site. A fifth member of the team had managed to escape his captors.

At least seven people, said the kidnappers were killed in the night after the NATO International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Afghan forces reached the area with helicopters, a door The speaker Isaf.

David Cameron said he had spoken by phone and Johnston described the operation to release and Kenya Moragwa Oirere, 26, and two Afghan civilians identified as "extraordinarily courageous, impressive" operation . He said he had given permission for the operation to go ahead on Friday after concerns raised about the safety of the hostages.

"We are pleased and relieved by the wonderful news that Helen and all his colleagues were released," he added. "The most important message is that terrorists around the world - must know if they take hostage British citizens not to pay ransom, not prisoners of trade can expect a swift and brutal end. ".

Welcoming the operation, said: ".. He was extraordinarily courageous, impressive operation that our troops have had to pay tribute to their skill and dedication"

The kidnappers were a mixture of insurgents and sympathizers criminal, according to the governor of the province of Badakhshan. "Some had a link with the Taliban, and some of them were drug dealers ... Another group were criminals, "said Shah Waliullah ADEB." He kept them in seven different locations in the caves of the mountains, where no local residents to prevent the security forces to find their lair. "

The kidnappers said local elders tried to negotiate a statement that they wanted a ransom of $ 4 million (£ 2.6 million) and the release of a local notorious criminal, he said.

Johnston

parents, Philip and Patricia, and his brother Peter said in a statement: "We are delighted and relieved by the wonderful news that Helen and all his colleagues were released We are deeply grateful to all . participated in the rescue, who worked tirelessly on their behalf, their family and friends for their love, prayers and support over the last 12 days.

"We are grateful for the support shown by the media since his abduction, and ask them to continue to respect our privacy at this particular time."

He added: ". Am very grateful to the Afghan authorities and ISAF proud who planned, tested and successfully completed the operation "

The success of the mission was in contrast to the efforts of recent years. In March, the engineer Christopher McManus and his Italian counterpart, Franco Lamolinara killed by his captors after a failed operation in Nigeria involving British forces. In October 2010, a rescue effort in Afghanistan ended with the death of British rescuer Linda Norgrove.

In Badakhshan, there were pockets of insurgent activity and in August 2010, a group of eight health workers, including British doctor Karen Woo, 36, were killed by Taliban claiming responsibility.

Oirere Johnston and received the support of the staff of the British Embassy in Kabul and two Afghan aid workers have returned to their families in Badakhshan, the Foreign Office said.