No ransom paid for freed hostages
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The kidnappers had reportedly demanded up to $15 million to release the hostages. (Reuters: Goran Tomasevic, file photo)
European officials say no ransom was paid for the release of 19 hostages in Egypt yesterday.
Eleven Europeans and eight Egyptians were kidnapped 10 days ago, by whom is still unclear.
The hostages arrived in Cairo last night; after being greeted with flowers they were taken for medical checkups all were reported to be in good health.
According to wire reports, Sudanese and Egyptian special forces rescued the group from a remote site on the border between Chad and Sudan, with help from German and Italian intelligence.
Officials said half of the 35 strong group of kidnappers were killed in the helicopter raid, while the rest escaped.
The kidnappers had reportedly demanded up to $15 million to release the hostages but Italian authorities say no ransom was paid.
