Kidnapped reporter is freed in Somalia

A British journalist kidnapped by gunmen in Somalia was released after 40 days in captivity.

Colin Freeman, 39, the chief foreign correspondent of The Sunday Telegraph, and Jose Cendon, a Spanish freelance photographer, were seized by their bodyguards as they were escorted to Boosaaso airport. Mr Freeman had been investigating a spate of pirate attacks on ships in the Gulf of Aden. He said he was "absolutely fine and delighted to be out", adding: "We survived on rice, goat meat and Rothmans. I gave up smoking in 1992 and somehow decided now would be a good time to start up again."

The Sunday Telegraph said the men were held in caves in the mountains and moved occasionally as their kidnappers tried to dodge rival gangs or the authorities.

Foreigners, journalists and humanitarian workers are frequently abducted for ransoms in the Horn of Africa nation. The Associated Press did not previously identify the two journalists out of concern for their safety.

Somali officials have said the men were abducted as they left their hotel for the airport to leave Somalia, likely by local gunmen or their bodyguards.