Libya’s eastern authorities have secured the release of two European women who spent over a year and a half in captivity after being kidnapped in Niger.
The women landed in Benghazi after their freedom was secured, Libyan outlets reported on Thursday. They are Austrian Eva Gretzmacher, 76, and Swiss national Claudia Abbt, 69.
According to reports, Gretzmacher was seized in January 2025 in Agadez in central Niger, where she had been residing for years. Abbt was taken hostage three months later, in April 2025.
In a video released by pro-eastern channel Al-Masar TV, both appeared emaciated but spoke to the camera. They credited Khalifa Haftar, the powerful commander in eastern Libya, and his son Saddam Haftar, for facilitating their rescue.
Speaking in French, Gretzmacher said, “I was held hostage for a year and nine months.” She thanked Marshal Haftar and his son from the bottom of her heart. Abbt, on her part, said she was happy to regain her freedom.
Two Libyan officials, who did not want to be named, told Reuters the operation was supervised by Saddam Haftar. They added that the women would be transferred to their respective countries once necessary procedures are concluded.
No details have been provided on the captors or whether any ransom was paid. The Sahel region, including Niger, has witnessed a surge in abductions linked to jihadist groups operating across Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger.
Libya remains divided between two rival administrations, the UN-backed government in Tripoli led by Abdulhamid Dbeibah and the eastern camp supported by Khalifa Haftar as the country continues to grapple with the fallout of the 2011 NATO-backed revolt against Muammar Gaddafi.
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