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2 clusters · 4 sources · 3 days · First seen · Last updated

Release of Austrian and Swiss hostages in Niger

Overview

Austrian citizen Eva Gretzmacher and Swiss national Claudia Abbt, both long-term residents of the Agadez region in Niger, have been released following their respective kidnappings in early 2025. Gretzmacher was abducted in January 2025, while Abbt was taken in April 2025.

Initial reports indicated the women were freed in the border region between Niger and Mali. A video released on social media featured Abbt confirming that both she and Gretzmacher were fine. While local media reported the release, the Austrian Foreign Ministry initially cautioned that the ‘complex and very dangerous process of release and handover is not yet positively completed.’

Subsequent reports confirmed the women arrived in Benghazi, eastern Libya. The kidnappings were attributed to the Islamic State in the Sahel (EIS), and while specific negotiation details remain undisclosed, reports suggest Libyan mediation may have assisted in the process.

Entities

Agadez · Claudia Abbt · Eva Gretzmacher · Islamic State in the Sahel · Austrian Foreign Ministry

Timeline

  1. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Austrian and Swiss hostages released after Niger kidnappings

    Austrian and Swiss nationals Eva Gretzmacher and Claudia Abbt have been released after being held captive in Niger since early 2025. The women have reportedly arrived in Benghazi, Libya.

  2. [INTERNATIONAL] 2 sources
    Austrian and Swiss hostages reportedly released in Niger

    Austrian hostage Eva Gretzmacher and Swiss national Claudia Abbt have reportedly been released after being kidnapped in Niger in 2025. The Austrian Foreign Ministry described the situation as encouraging.

Sources

airinfoagadez.com · backchannels.com · meinegemeinde.vol.at · senalioune.com