Lindhout returns home to Alberta

Amanda Lindhout, a reporter freed after 15 months of captivity in Somalia, has arrived home in Alberta.

Lindhout, who grew up in Sylvan Lake and went to school in Red Deer, landed at an Alberta airport on Wednesday, a spokeswoman for her family confirmed.

"The family will provide further updates when they are ready," spokeswoman Sarah Geddes told CBC News.

Lindhout, 28, and Australian photojournalist Nigel Brennan, 38, were released on Nov. 25 in exchange for $600,000 US in ransom, as reported by CBC News.

Gunmen took the pair on Aug. 23. They were on their way to a refugee camp near the Somali capital of Mogadishu. Both Lindhout and Brennan said their time as hostages included torture and beatings.

They were treated and released from a Kenyan hospital last week.

Lindhout's parents, who live in central Alberta, flew to Kenya to meet her, and returned to Canada with her on Wednesday.