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The Biden administration announced Monday that an American citizen held hostage in West Africa for more than six years has been released.
Aid worker Jeff Woodk was last seen in Niger before being kidnapped in October 2016.
National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said he was “satisfied and relieved that American hostage Jeff Woodk has been released after being held for more than six years.” said in a statement.
“The United States thanks all who will miss and love Niger for bringing him home. We thank the many people throughout our government who have worked tirelessly to secure his freedom. increase.”
As of late Monday morning, Woodk’s wife, Else Woodk, had not spoken to her released husband, but thanked everyone involved in securing his release.
“Els has not yet heard from Jeff, but he is said to be in good health,” the family said in a statement.
“She expressed her deep gratitude to governments and others around the world who have worked so hard to see this result. Praise God for answering.”
Also on Monday French President Emmanuel Macron announced that journalist Olivier Dubois has been released after being held in Africa for almost two years.
Dubois disappeared in April 2021 in the city of Gao, northern Mali.
President Macron thanked Niger for helping to win Dubois’ freedom, but it was not immediately clear what role Mali’s West African neighbors played in the release of the hostages.
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