US missionary kidnapped in Niger is released after 9 months in captivity, his organization says

American missionary Kevin Rideout has been released after nine months in captivity following his kidnapping in Niamey, Niger. SIM International stated that Rideout was in good health and would soon be reunited with his extended family. The article notes that the region faces ongoing violence from armed groups, including jihadis linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State organization.