A Polish doctor, abducted in Chad, has been successfully rescued in a daring night-time operation, according to reports.
Kidnappers in Chad engaged in gunfire with a helicopter attempting to rescue Dr. Aleksandra Kuligowska.
The abduction took place near the southern town of Dono Manga, where armed men, posing as a patient, seized the doctor from the hospital where she worked.
Dr. Kuligowska, a volunteer with the Catholic charity Caritas, was held captive in a dense forest approximately 10km from Dono Manga for five days.
The dramatic rescue operation, reported to be a joint effort by French and Chadian forces, occurred at 03:00 local time. When the helicopter approached, the kidnappers attempted to shoot it down, leaving the hostage alone.
As ground troops advanced, they successfully rescued Dr. Kuligowska, resulting in the elimination of all three kidnappers. She was then transported by helicopter to the capital, N’Djamena, described as “weakened and traumatized” but in good condition.
Poland’s Foreign Minister, Radoslaw Sikorski, confirmed Dr. Kuligowska’s safety and health, expressing gratitude to local forces and French allies for their swift actions.
Poland’s Defence Minister, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, extended his thanks to the French counterpart and troops, anticipating Dr. Kuligowska’s prompt return to Poland.
The doctor had been abducted alongside a Mexican colleague named Carlos, who was later left by the roadside after security forces pursued the kidnappers. The perpetrators behind the kidnapping remain unidentified.
The region, located about 400km south of N’Djamena, often experiences kidnappings by armed bandits seeking ransom. French forces stationed in the Sahel region, while confirming Chadian forces conducted the rescue, did not disclose the role played by French soldiers.
France has a historic military presence in West African countries and has been involved in anti-jihadist operations in the Sahel. However, recent coups led to the expulsion of French soldiers from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Chad, despite its own military takeover, continues to host around 1,000 French troops.