Two Moldovan pilots, seized in Afghanistan in 2015, released

Chisinau, 11 February /MOLDPRES/ - Two Moldovan pilots, seized in Afghanistan in 2015, have been recovered from captivity and are in Moscow. President Igor Dodon made statements to this effect at a news briefing today.     

According to the head of state, during one week, the pilots will be brought to Moldova.  

„The crew’s members were working for the American government. The U.S. officials made more attempts to save them; yet, they failed to do this. Last year, I appealed with this subject to the leadership of Russia and in the last months, more actions have been undertaken to release the Moldovan citizens from captivity. Two days ago, the two fellow countrymen were recovered and carried to Moscow. At present, the pilots are in hospital and receive medical care. Their health condition is pretty good. During three years, they were kept in a hole in the earth. Following medical investigations, they are to come home,” Dodon said.    

A helicopter of the air company VALAN, MI 17-1V was seized in Afghanistan on 24 November 2015, after an emergency landing. The airship was making flights to this country according to a contract with the U.S. Government. Three Moldovan citizens – crew members, and 18 Afghan citizens were onboard. One of the Moldovans was killed and another two ones were taken hostages by Taliban.