美国传教士凯文·里德劳特在尼日尔被绑架超过9个月后已获释。[1][2]他于2024年10月21日在首都尼亚美的住所外被三名武装人员绑架，随后被带往该国西部的提拉贝里地区。[2]目前，里德劳特身体状况良好，正在美国官员的照看下，不久将与家人团聚。[1][2]
里德劳特是国际基督教组织SIM International的传教士和飞行员，在该组织已服役19年。[2]迄今为止，没有任何武装组织声称对这起绑架事件负责。[1]尼日尔长期面临与基地组织和伊斯兰国相关的武装组织的攻击威胁。[1]
Kevin Rideout, an American missionary, has been freed following his abduction in Niger more than nine months ago.[1][2] He was kidnapped on October 21 outside his residence in Niamey, the capital, by three armed individuals who transported him to the Tillaberi region in the country's west.[1][2] Rideout is now in good health and under the care of U.S. officials, with plans to reunite with his family in the coming days.[1][2]
Rideout served as a missionary and pilot for SIM International, a Christian organization where he had worked for 19 years.[2] The international Christian group confirmed his release and current condition.[2] No armed group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping.[1] Niger has faced prolonged attacks from militant organizations linked to al-Qaeda and ISIS, with the country's military leadership taking power in 2023.[1]