Libya's Haftar played role in securing US hostage's release, report says

Authorities in eastern Libya under military commander Khalifa Haftar helped secure the release of an American missionary held hostage held by an Islamic State affiliate in West Africa's Sahel region, escorting him to freedom through Libya, Reuters reported, citing five sources. Four of the sources said that a deal was brokered, with one saying saying a ransom was paid. However, a senior source in Haftar's forces said they had carried out a military operation in Mali to free the hostage, Kevin Rideout. Reuters said the State Department declined to comment while the White House did not respond to a request for comment about Haftar's involvement. In a social media post, Trump said the US looks forward to welcoming Rideout home.