Libyan commander Haftar helped secure release of US hostage in Sahel

Eastern Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar helped secure the release of American hostage Kevin Rideout, a pilot for a Christian missionary organization, from an Islamic State affiliate in West Africa's Sahel region. Rideout, kidnapped in Niger in October, was handed over to eastern Libyan authorities on Thursday, according to four sources. Haftar's involvement highlights his growing role as a security broker in the Sahel, potentially leveraging this to gain favor with the Trump administration. While the State Department declined to comment, President Trump stated the U.S. looks forward to welcoming Rideout home. One source indicated a ransom was paid by the Libyan side, though details remain unclear.