American Missionary Pilot Kevin Rideout Released After Nine Months in Captivity

American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout has been released after being held captive for nine months in West Africa. Rideout, a 50-year-old father of four who served with the organization Serving In Mission (SIM), was abducted last October near his home in Niamey, Niger. Following his release, President Donald Trump announced that he expects to meet with Rideout and his wife, Krista, at the White House upon their return to the United States.

Reports regarding the circumstances of his release remain conflicting. In a video statement, Rideout credited the Libyan National Army and General Saddam Haftar with conducting a raid to secure his freedom from Islamic State militants in Mali. However, other sources, including Reuters, report that multiple individuals familiar with the situation claim his release was achieved through negotiations rather than a military operation. Rideout stated that he is in good health following his ordeal, which occurred shortly after the death of a high-ranking ISIS leader in the region.