Woman speaks after niece rescued from Taliban

EDGEWATER, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - An American woman who was recently released from captivity after she was kidnapped five years ago in Afghanistan has family in Central Florida.

Caitlan Coleman’s aunt lives in Edgewater and spoke to the News Station about her niece’s new freedom.

“I was shocked, shocked,” Kay Driscoll said. “It’s been five years of constant prayers and hopes and agony for my sister and all of us… it’s been unbelievable.”

Officials say Coleman and her husband were kidnapped while traveling in Afghanistan in 2012. While held captive by a group affiliated with the Taliban, Coleman gave birth to three kids.

“I don’t know if she could have made it through this without having those children,” Driscoll said. “I think that was an unbelievable gift from God that she had the kids.”

All five were just rescued in Pakistan. Now Coleman’s family is waiting for word on what to do next.

“I’ve already checked airplane flights but I think it’s a little bit early. I’m ready to go anytime I can to go help them out,” Driscoll said.

A reunion five years in the making is finally close to happening.

“When I see her, I’m gonna hug her and not let her go for a long time and I’m sure her mom and dad are going to do the same,” she said.

Driscoll says her sister has been able to talk to Coleman and she says the kids are healthy and excited to meet their grandmother.