World · Africa · 5 hrs ago
Two women freed after 18 months in Niger reach Benghazi
An Austrian and a Swiss woman have reached Benghazi, in eastern Libya, after being freed from detention in Niger.
They had been held for more than 18 months.
The Austrian, identified by her authorities as Eva G, was kidnapped in Agadez in January 2025; the Swiss woman was taken hostage in April that year.
Officials said the women will be handed to their countries after the necessary procedures are completed.
The operation was overseen by Saddam Haftar, deputy commander-in-chief of Libya’s armed forces.
Their release comes amid a jihadist insurgency in Niger and neighbouring countries that has killed thousands and displaced millions across the Sahel over the past decade.
An Austrian woman and a Swiss woman arrived in Benghazi after being freed from more than 18 months of detention in Niger.
Two officials speaking anonymously said the women would be handed over to authorities in their respective countries after necessary procedures.
The operation was overseen by Saddam Haftar, deputy commander-in-chief of Libya’s armed forces, the officials said.
The Austrian woman, identified by Austrian authorities as Eva G, was kidnapped in Agadez in January 2025.
The Swiss woman was taken hostage in April 2025.
- Who
- An Austrian woman identified as Eva G and a Swiss woman.
- What
- They were freed after more than 18 months in detention and arrived in Benghazi.
- When
- October 21; the article does not specify the year in its text.
- Where
- They arrived in Benghazi, eastern Libya, after being detained in Niger.
- Why
- Not stated
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Eva G was kidnapped in Agadez, Niger.
The Swiss woman was taken hostage.
The women arrived in Benghazi after being freed from detention in Niger.
- People freed
- One Austrian woman and one Swiss woman
- Detention
- More than 18 months in Niger
- Destination
- Benghazi, eastern Libya
- Austrian woman
- Identified by Austrian authorities as Eva G
- Austrian woman kidnapped
- Agadez, January 2025
- Swiss woman taken hostage
- April 2025