On 14 August, the Libyan National Army (LNA) helped secure the release of a U.S. hostage from Islamic State affiliates in Mali.
Reuters news agency cited five sources as saying that the LNA helped secure the release on 14 August of Kevin Rideout, an American missionary who was abducted by unidentified men in October last year in Niger’s capital Niamey and was then taken to Mali. According to one of the sources, an elite LNA commando had carried out a raid into Malian territory to help release Rideout. However, the paper also cited four different sources confirming that a deal was brokered for his release, with one suggesting a ransom was paid.
The LNA’s official social media accounts did not confirm the news. However, pro-LNA media outlets, including al-Hadath and al-Masar TV, posted a video of the released hostage as he arrived at Benina airport, and reported that the hostage release was possible because of an LNA special commando operation in Mali. Rideout gave a short speech thanking Saddam Haftar and assuring friends and family that he’s free and in good health.