LIBYA RECOVERS SWISS, AUSTRIAN WOMEN KIDNAPPED SINCE 2025 IN NIGER

A Swiss woman and an Austrian woman kidnapped in Niger in 2025 have been freed and arrived in Benghazi, eastern Libya, according to two official sources cited by Reuters.

The sources, who spoke anonymously, said the women would be handed over to authorities from their home countries once the necessary procedures were completed. Reuters

The women were abducted in separate incidents in Agadez, a desert city in Niger. The Austrian woman was kidnapped in January 2025, while the Swiss woman was taken from her home in April that year. Their arrival in Libya marks a significant development after a prolonged period in captivity. ORF

Details of how their release was secured have not been made public. Local news outlet Aïr Info also reported their arrival in Benghazi on Wednesday, October 21, with arrangements being made for their transfer to Austrian and Swiss authorities.