Secret Deal: American Hostage's Liberation in the Sahel

American pilot Kevin Rideout, who was held hostage by an Islamic State affiliate in West Africa, has been freed thanks to a deal brokered by Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar. Rideout, working for a Christian missionary organization in Niger, was captured in October and handed over to Libyan authorities. Details of the exchange remain unclear.

An American pilot held hostage by an Islamic State affiliate in West Africa's Sahel region has been released, thanks to a brokered deal involving Libyan military commander Khalifa Haftar, according to four sources.

Kevin Rideout, who worked for the missionary group Serving in Mission, was captured in Niger in October. His release was orchestrated without clear terms, although one source suggested a ransom may have been paid by the Libyan side.

The U.S. State Department and White House have not commented on the matter. Rideout's release remains a top priority for American authorities, with efforts to retrieve him including lifting sanctions on Malian officials for strategic advantage.