Kevin Rideout Reaches Germany After 9-Month Niger Kidnapping as U.S. Cites ISIS Pressure
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 14
Kevin Rideout Reaches Germany After 9-Month Niger Kidnapping as U.S. Cites ISIS Pressure
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 14
Summary
Ramstein Air Base in Germany received Kevin Rideout after the American missionary pilot’s release, and U.S. officials said he was undergoing medical evaluation in good health.
U.S. officials said the 50-year-old was freed by nonmilitary means after nearly 9 months in captivity, with recent pressure on Islamic State militants helping influence the kidnappers’ decision.
A May U.S.-Nigerian operation that killed ISIS leader Abu Bilal al-Minuki in the Lake Chad region was cited as part of that pressure campaign.
Rideout was abducted from his home in Niamey in October; his mission group, Serving in Mission, said he would soon reunite with his wife and 4 children.
His case underscored the wider jihadist threat across Niger and Mali, where Islamic State- and Al Qaeda-linked groups remain active.