Two European women held in Niger are freed in Libya
Two women from Austria and Switzerland were freed in Niger after being abducted in early 2025. One was taken in Agadez, central Niger, in January 2025. The Swiss and Austrian nationals were held by Islamic State-linked groups for over 18 months before being released and flown to Benghazi, Libya.
- Two women from Austria and Switzerland were freed in Niger.
- The Austrian national, Eva G., was abducted in Agadez, central Niger, in January 2025.
- Niger has experienced jihadist violence, including kidnappings, from groups linked to al-Qaeda and Islamic State.
- Experts and Nigerien media suggested Daesh could be responsible for the abductions.
- The intervention of Saddam Haftar allegedly helped secure the release.
- The Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the release of Eva Gretzmacher.
- The two women were flown to Benghazi, a city in eastern Libya.
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