Khalifa Haftar brokered release of American hostage in Sahel

Eastern Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar played a key role in brokering a deal to release Kevin Rideout, an American pilot held by an Islamic State affiliate in the Sahel region. Rideout, who works for the evangelical agency Serving in Mission, was kidnapped in Niger last October.

According to sources, Rideout was handed over to eastern Libyan authorities late Thursday. While the specific terms of the deal remain unclear, one source indicated that the Libyan side had paid a ransom. The U.S. government has prioritized Rideout's recovery, previously lifting sanctions on Malian officials to facilitate search efforts in the region.

Haftar’s involvement highlights his growing influence as a security broker in the Sahel. The State Department declined to comment on the matter, and the White House did not respond to inquiries regarding Haftar’s role.