Libya's Haftar played key role in release of US hostage held by Islamic State

A deal to free an American hostage held by an Islamic State affiliate in West Africa's Sahel region was brokered with the help of the eastern Libyan military

commander Khalifa Haftar, four sources told Reuters.



The hostage, a pilot working for a Christian missionary organization in Niger, was handed over to eastern Libyan authorities late Thursday, one of the sources said. Libya's role in the deal has not previously been reported.



Haftar's involvement in the freeing of a U.S. hostage reflects how he has carved out a position as a major security broker in the Sahel region, and has used it as leverage to curry favour with the Trump administration.



The missionary, Kevin Rideout, worked for the evangelical agency Serving in Mission and was kidnapped in Niger in October. It was not clear what, if anything, was traded in exchange for his release. One of the four sources said the Libyan side had paid a ransom, without providing further details.