US missionary kidnapped in Niger released after nine months in captivity
Kevin Rideout, a pilot with the evangelical missionary agency SIM International, was abducted in the capital, Niamey.
![A Malian refugee now willing to the identified sits in his tent in Dounkara village, Mauritania [Shola Lawal/Al Jazeera]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/P1040667-1776903867.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
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EXPLAINER
What role has Russia played in Mali’s security and the Sahel region?
Russia, which has been making inroads into the Sahel through defence partnerships, now faces scrutiny.
EXPLAINER
What is the Azawad Liberation Front, part of the Mali attacks?
Tuaregs have long fought for independence in northern Mali, and the FLA represents the latest of many rebellions.
‘Forget democracy’ says Burkina Faso’s military leader Ibrahim Traore
Traore reneged on promises to hold elections and has since scrapped political parties in the country.
![Captain Ibrahim Traore’s relationship with Muslim leaders has come under strain as his government tightens control over religious affairs. [File: Stanislav Krasilnikov/RIA Novosti via AP]](/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/ap_68b6dc86197ff-1756814470.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
EXPLAINER
West African regional army: Why thousands of soldiers are deploying
How will strained ties between ECOWAS and neighbours Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso affect the fight against armed groups?
From: NewsFeed
What happened to ISIL?
At the height of its power, ISIL held around a third of Syria and 40% of Iraq.
Published On 19 Feb 2026
Are ‘low-cost, high-impact’ drones making Sahel fighters tougher to beat?
Experts say ISIL and al-Qaeda-linked groups use drones to target army positions with IEDs and to gather intelligence.
Moscow confirms Russian forces helped repel ISIL attack on Niger airport
Moscow ‘strongly condemns’ attack on airport in the capital, Niamey, where 20 rebels were killed and 4 soldiers wounded.
ISIL claims responsibility for Niger airport attack
Claim comes after military ruler Abdourahamane Tiani accused France, Benin, Ivory coast of involvement in the attack.
Niger military gov’t says France, Benin, Ivory Coast behind airport attack
‘They should be ready to hear us roar,’ says military ruler Tiani, who thanked Russian troops for defending airbase.
From: NewsFeed
Heavy gunfire and explosions near airport in Niger’s capital
Heavy gunfire and explosions were heard near Niger’s international airport in Niamey on Thursday.
Published On 29 Jan 2026