Moldovan Pilots Freed From Afghan Captivity Return Home - President Dodon

Two Moldovan pilots who spent three and a half years in captivity in Afghanistan and almost a month on rehabilitation in Moscow, returned home, Moldovan President Igor Dodon said on Thursday

CHISINAU (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 07th March, 2019) Two Moldovan pilots who spent three and a half years in captivity in Afghanistan and almost a month on rehabilitation in Moscow, returned home, Moldovan President Igor Dodon said on Thursday.

"Our fellows, Moldovan pilots, returned home today, to their native land, alive and well. I once again thank all those who contributed to the liberation of our compatriots," Dodon wrote on Facebook.

The Moldovan Foreign Ministry confirmed that the pilots came back to the country, noting that they were in good health, but would be monitored by doctors and protected by the authorities.

The pilots were captured in November 2015 when a helicopter they were flying on a mission for the Afghan security forces was downed over Taliban-controlled territory. The third Moldovan crew member was killed in a gunfight. His body was brought back to Moldova the following month. The release of the remaining two was announced in February by Dodon, who said that Russia played a major role in ending their three-year ordeal at the hands of the Taliban.