Current:Home > ScamsAmerican held hostage since 2016 in West Africa released -InvestTomorrow
American held hostage since 2016 in West Africa released
View
Date:2025-04-22 02:19:34
Jeff Woodke, an American aid worker held hostage in West Africa for more than six years, has been released, according to U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan.
Woodke was taken from his home in Abalak, Niger, in 2016 by a terrorist network that operates across Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. He was released outside of Niger in the Mali-Burkina Faso area, a senior administration official said.
"I'm gratified & relieved to see the release of U.S. hostage Jeff Woodke after over 6 years in captivity," Sullivan tweeted Monday morning. "The U.S. thanks Niger for its help in bringing him home to all who miss & love him. I thank so many across our government who've worked tirelessly toward securing his freedom."
National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said Woodke will be reunited with his family following a full medical check.
"There were no concessions made. There were no swaps here," Kirby said. "This was just hard, grueling, deliberate work by diplomats and other experts directly with the government of Niger to get him home."
Woodke lived in Niger for years before he was taken, helping people groups in the Sahel region.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Niger as part of a trip to Africa last week.
During an unrelated event Monday, the president said he was proud to announce Woodke's return, and noted his administration is working to bring all Americans held hostage home.
Also on Monday, the nonprofit group Reporters without Borders announced that French journalist Olivier Dubois was released after being hostage for 711 days by an armed group affiliated with Al Qaeda in the Sahel. The nonprofit group said the journalist resurfaced, "free and smiling," on Monday in Niger's capital.
"We are overjoyed and hugely relieved," said Christophe Deloire, secretary-general of Reporters Without Borders. "We had received reassuring news about Olivier Dubois on several occasions in recent months, and again very recently. He seemed to be in good shape but the length of his captivity worried us. We thank the French authorities for doing what was necessary to obtain his release. It is to France's credit that it does not abandon its citizens when taken hostage, and works to get them freed. Our thoughts are with his family, especially his partner and his son. We salute all those who took part in the campaign for his release."
Kathryn WatsonKathryn Watson is a politics reporter for CBS News Digital based in Washington, D.C.
veryGood! (9)
Related
- Meet the volunteers risking their lives to deliver Christmas gifts to children in Haiti
- What's Making Us Happy: A guide to your weekend viewing and reading
- Meg Ryan defends her and Dennis Quaid's son, Jack Quaid, from 'nepo baby' criticism
- Semitruck failed to slow down before deadly Ohio crash, state report says
- Sonya Massey's father decries possible release of former deputy charged with her death
- Vacuum tycoon Dyson loses a libel case against a UK newspaper for a column on his support of Brexit
- Why Fatherhood Made Chad Michael Murray Ready For a One Tree Hill Reboot
- Court orders Texas to move floating buoy barrier that drew backlash from Mexico
- Chuck Scarborough signs off: Hoda Kotb, Al Roker tribute legendary New York anchor
- George Santos expelled from Congress in historic House vote
Ranking
- Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
- Dunkintini? Dunkin' partners with Martha Stewart for espresso martinis, festive glasses
- Bombs are falling on Gaza again. Who are the hostages still remaining in the besieged strip?
- The mean girls of the '90s taught me the value of kindness. Now I'm teaching my daughters.
- Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
- At COP28, the Role of Food Systems in the Climate Crisis Will Get More Attention Than Ever
- Subway adding footlong cookie to menu in 2024: Here's where to try it for free this month
- Opponents gave input on ballot language for abortion-rights measure, Ohio elections chief says
Recommendation
Warm inflation data keep S&P 500, Dow, Nasdaq under wraps before Fed meeting next week
Palestinian student in Vermont describes realizing he was shot: An extreme spike of pain
Jeannie Mai Hints at Possible Infidelity in Response to Jeezy Divorce Filing
Biden campaign rips Trump's health care policies in new ad
Justice Department, Louisville reach deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor killing
Macaulay Culkin and Brenda Song's Sons Make First Public Appearance at Hollywood Walk of Fame Ceremony
In Romania, tens of thousands attend a military parade to mark Great Union Day
Scarlett Johansson and Colin Jost Step Out for Marvelous Red Carpet Date Night