Kidnapped German released in Syria

A 27-year-old German kidnapped in Syria by militants from the Islamic State around a year ago has been released, according to the Sunday newspaper Welt am Sonntag.

Quoting "investigating sources", the newspaper said that a "substantial consideration" was made to secure his release.

The man, whose name has not been released, is from the eastern state of Brandenburg and had travelled to Syria in June 2013 with the intention of offering "humanitarian aid".

His family reported him missing when he failed to contact them, the newspaper continued.

Then earlier this year, the man's family received a video containing a ransom demand and also showing the execution of another hostage, the newspaper said.

The German authorities - including the federal police BKA, the BND intelligence services and the foreign ministry - subsequently entered into negotiations with the kidnappers.

The newspaper quoted the foreign ministry as insisting that no ransom was paid for the man's release. 

This comes following the news last week that American Journalist James Foley had been killed after a ransom demand for his release was not paid. His execution was partially recorded by IS militants and released on-line which has been met with condemnation by world leaders world wide.