Two women, Eva Gretzmacher, a 76-year-old Swiss national, and Claudia Abbt, a 69-year-old Austrian, have been freed after spending over a year in captivity in Niger. They were handed over to authorities in the Libyan city of Benghazi.
Background of the Kidnapping
Both women were kidnapped separately in the northern Nigerien city of Agadez—Gretzmacher in January and Abbt in April of the previous year. While no specific details have been released regarding their captors or any demands made, some reports have previously suggested a possible link to Islamic State militants.
Release and Transfer
The circumstances surrounding their release remain unclear. However, Libyan officials indicated that the women would be returned to their respective countries following necessary procedures. Footage from Libya's al-Masar TV showed the women entering what appeared to be an ambulance, where they were later attended to by a health worker.
