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Austrian and Swiss Hostages Freed After 18-Month Captivity in Niger
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Hostages Freed After 18-Month Captivity
Two women—an Austrian identified by authorities as Eva G. and a Swiss citizen identified by media as Claudia Abbt—were released from captivity in Niger and flown to Benghazi, eastern Libya. Eva G. was abducted in the desert town of Agadez in January 2025; Abbt was seized from her home in Agadez in April 2025. After more than a year and a half of detention, both women arrived in Benghazi in late September, a development confirmed by officials on October 21. The operation that secured their release was overseen by Saddam Haftar, deputy commander-in-chief of Libya’s armed forces, and the women publicly thanked Marshal Khalifa Haftar and his son for their freedom.
Background: Sahel Conflict and Libyan Power Struggle
Niger, alongside neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso, is battling a jihadist insurgency linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State that originated in the 2012 Tuareg rebellion. Kidnappings have risen sharply in Niger over the past year. Libya remains divided between a UN-recognised government in Tripoli led by Prime Minister Abdelhamid Dbeibah and an eastern administration controlled by Marshal Khalifa Haftar. The Haftar-led forces have been active in cross-border operations, including the recent rescue.
Official Statements & Responses
Anonymous officials familiar with the matter said the women would be handed over to their respective governments after “necessary procedures” were completed. Libyan television channel al-Masar reported that Saddam Haftar advocated for the release at the families’ request. In the video broadcast, the hostages expressed gratitude in French to their liberators. Austrian authorities confirmed Eva G.’s identity and age range, while the Swiss foreign ministry has not named its citizen.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I had been held hostage for a year and nine months,” — Eva G
Data & Statistics
- Captivity duration: 1 year 9 months for Eva G. (as she stated) and roughly the same period for Abbt.
- Ages reported: Eva G. described as “in her 70s” by Austrian officials; blue-win reports list her as 76 years old, indicating a discrepancy. Claudia Abbt is reported as 69 years old.
- Kidnapping dates: January 2025 (Eva G.) and April 2025 (Abbt).
- Release timeline: early reports of the women’s freedom appeared on September 10; confirmation of their arrival in Benghazi was published on October 21.
These facts outline the rescue of the two hostages, the regional security context that enabled the operation, and the official narratives surrounding their release.