Libya's Haftar played role in securing US hostage's release, report says
Libya's Haftar played role in securing US hostage's release, report says Authorities in eastern Libya under military commander Khalifa Haftar helped secure the release of an American missionary held hostage held by an Islamic State affiliate in West Africa's Sahel region, escorting him to freedom through Libya, Reuters reported, citing five sources. Four of the sources said that a deal was…
Libya's military commander Khalifa Haftar reportedly played a role in securing the release of an American hostage, Kevin Rideout, held by an Islamic State affiliate in the Sahel region of West Africa. According to Reuters, authorities in eastern Libya, under Haftar's command, escorted the hostage to freedom through the country. Four sources cited by Reuters suggested a ransom was paid, while a senior Haftar force source claimed a military operation in Mali was conducted to free Rideout.
The State Department declined to comment, and the White House did not respond to inquiries about Haftar's involvement. President Trump, via a social media post, expressed his hope for Rideout's safe return to the US.
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