Libyan Commander Haftar Helped Secure Release of US Hostage in Sahel

Eastern Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar played a key role in brokering the release of an American hostage held by an Islamic State affiliate in West Africa's Sahel region, according to four sources familiar with the matter. The hostage, identified as Kevin Rideout, a pilot for the evangelical agency Serving in Mission, was kidnapped in Niger in October.

Rideout was handed over to eastern Libyan authorities late Thursday, with Libya's involvement in the deal not previously reported. Haftar's participation underscores his growing influence as a significant security broker in the Sahel. This position allows him to leverage regional dynamics to curry favor with the Trump administration.

Details regarding any exchange for Rideout's release remain unclear. One source suggested that a ransom may have been paid by the Libyan side, but provided no further specifics. The State Department declined to comment on the matter, and the White House did not respond to requests for comment regarding Haftar's involvement. President Trump acknowledged the development in a social media post, stating the U.S. looks forward to Rideout's homecoming.

Officials had previously believed Rideout might have been moved to Mali, where Islamist militants linked to the Islamic State and al Qaeda operate. The U.S. had prioritized his recovery, even lifting sanctions on Malian government officials earlier in the year to secure overflight access for search operations. The exact circumstances of Rideout's handover to Libyan authorities and his subsequent journey to Libya were not immediately clear.

Two sources indicated that Cherif Ould Tahar, a Malian Arab businessman with connections to regional armed groups and smuggling networks, led the recent effort to secure Rideout's release from the Islamic State affiliate. Tahar could not be reached for comment.

“

The US looks forward to welcoming Rideout home.