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British journalist describes ordeal

Ridley has been freed by the Taliban and taken to Pakistan

LONDON, England -- A journalist freed after being held by the ruling Taliban in Afghanistan went on hunger strike during her 10 days in detention.

Briton Yvonne Ridley also told how she huddled in her cell as the first wave of military strikes hit Kabul.

Ridley, 43, a reporter with the London-based Sunday Express, was arrested by the Taliban on September 28 and accused of attempting to illegally enter Afghanistan dressed like an Afghan woman.

Writing in The Express, the daily sister publication to her Sunday title, Ridley wrote: "Hunger strike was the only weapon I had. I thought I was going to die. I was very very scared.

"When the nighttime wave of attacks on Kabul started I was lying in bed and it was like fireworks being set off. I could see everything quite clearly, the tracers going up and the explosions.

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"I admitted going in without a visa. It was not a silly stunt. I was trying to find out what Afghans thought about the situation."

"I was never physically hurt in any way. They tried to break me mentally by asking the same questions time and time again, day after day, sometimes until 9 o'clock at night."

She was released on Monday and taken to the Torkham border crossing between Pakistan and Afghanistan, where she was met by British officials for a trip to Islamabad.

Hopes of securing an early release had plunged after the first wave of Military action against targets in Afghanistan.

Ridley's mother, Joyce, said: "This has been the worst day of our lives and the very best day. We have gone from the depths of despair to utter elation."

A Foreign Office spokeswoman in London said: "Our High Commission in Islamabad have confirmed that Yvonne Ridley is at the office of senior Pakistani officials in Peshawar.

"Consular officials are meeting her there and will give her all assistance she requires."

Martin Townsend, editor of the Sunday Express, said: "We are delighted to hear that Yvonne is safe in Pakistan although we won't be celebrating until she is back safe on British soil.

"Our thoughts are still with the eight aid workers held captive in Afghanistan. We hope and pray to see their early release."

Prime Minister Tony Blair told the House of Commons that Ridley had been released and handed over to Pakistani officials.

Pakistani television images showed Ridley wearing a head-dress and clutching a bottle of mineral water as she arrived in a car at the border.

She appeared in good health and good spirits as she climbed from the vehicle.

It was the first sighting of the 43-year-old mother-of-one since her arrest. The release ended 48 hours of speculation over her status.