An 88-year-old Australian physician held hostage in Africa for greater than seven years by al Qaeda-linked militants has been reunited along with his household after being launched.

Dr Ken Elliott and his spouse Jocelyn, who collectively ran a medical clinic in Burkina Faso, had been kidnapped in 2016 by al Qaeda within the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) - an African affiliate of the jihadist group.

Mrs Elliott was launched three weeks later following a joint effort by Burkina Faso's intelligence service and the then president of neighbouring Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou.

On Thursday, Australian international minister Penny Wong stated Dr Elliott had now been launched and had since been reunited along with his spouse and youngsters.

"I'm very pleased to advise that Dr Ken Elliott, who's been held hostage in Western Africa for some seven years, has been reunited in Australia with his family," she stated in a press release.

No additional particulars had been disclosed about Dr Elliott's launch, however Ms Wong stated no ransom had been paid.

"The Australian government has a clear policy that we do not pay ransoms," she added.

"What we have done over the last seven years is ensure that we worked with other governments and local authorities in relation to Dr Elliott."

A household assertion stated: "We want to categorical our because of God and all who've continued to hope for us.

"We express our relief that Dr Elliott is free and thank the Australian government and all who have been involved over time to secure his release.

"At 88 years of age, and after a few years away from residence, Dr Elliott now wants time and privateness to relaxation and rebuild energy."

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Dr Elliott and his spouse had been kidnapped by AQIM close to the northern Burkina Faso city of Djibo in January 2016.

The militant group, deemed a terrorist organisation by the UN and international locations such because the US and UK, operates from Algeria's Kabylia mountains and in areas of Mali, Libya, Niger and Mauritania.

It rose to prominence largely by means of kidnap-for-ransom operations focusing on international assist staff and vacationers.

Content Source: information.sky.com