UN hostages released in Afghanistan

The three were abducted on October 28 after helping run a presidential election and had been threatened with death by a Taliban faction, Jaish-E Muslimeen, which claimed to have held them.

‘‘We are very, very happy and very relieved,’’ said UN spokesman Manoel de Almeida E Silva. ‘‘Staff in UN offices are in jubilation.’’

The three appeared in good health and good spirits and were expected to leave Afghanistan soon, he said. Jaish leader Akbar Agha insisted Flanigan and Nayan were freed in return for 24 Taliban prisoners and Hebibi after an appeal by Kosovan businessman Behgjet Pacolli, a family friend.