US missionary released by militants via Haftar-brokered deal in Libya
American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout, kidnapped in Niger in late 2025, was released by an Islamic State affiliate and handed over to eastern Libyan authorities on August 13-14. The deal was reportedly brokered by Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar, who utilized his regional networks to secure the pilot's passage from the Sahel through Libya. Rideout was escorted to freedom through territory controlled by Haftar's forces. Reports indicate a ransom may have been involved in the negotiations.