# EXCLUSIVE: Haftar played key role in release of US hostage held by Islamic State, sources say

https://mins.news/en/item/22480

- Reuters, 2026-08-14 18:45 UTC
- World
- Original: https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/libyas-haftar-played-key-role-release-us-hostage-held-by-islamic-state-sources-2026-08-14/?link_source=ta_bluesky_link&taid=6a7f6243325a7500012aa822

> Four sources told Reuters that a deal to free an American hostage held by an Islamic State affiliate in West Africa’s Sahel region was brokered with help from Khalifa Haftar, the eastern Libyan military commander.