Americans freed from foreign captivity

Key developments

1. Aug 16, 2026

   American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout is freed after nine months in captivity in Niger and is en route back to the United States in good health.

   53 sources on this →
2. Aug 14, 2026

   Former US Marine Robert Gilman, detained in Russia since 2022, is released but found in a dissociative stupor and near death after alleged prison abuse.

   151 sources on this →

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Photo: NigerTZai / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Missionary Pilot Freed After Nine Months in Niger

American missionary pilot Kevin Rideout has been released from captivity in Niger and is en route back to the United States, with proof-of-life images indicating he is in good health. U.S. officials say the release was a priority for Washington and Africa Command, though details on how and by whom he was released remain unclear.

53 sources

Massachusetts Marine Freed From Russia, No Exchange

A former U.S. Marine and teacher, Robert Gilman, detained in Russia since 2022, is in a dissociative stupor and described as near death due to alleged prison abuse, with him being treated in a civilian hospital, fed via a tube, and restrained to a bed as his family and advocates urge urgent humanitarian release. The U.S. State Department has expressed deep concern and has repeatedly pressed Russia for his release on humanitarian grounds as his condition deteriorates and access to lawyers and family remains restricted.