American aid worker released after 6 years in captivity

On Monday, National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan announced the release of Jeff Woodke, a US national and humanitarian worker, after he spent six years in captivity.

Jeff was held captive in West Africa and was finally released in Niamey, Niger’s capital city. Els Woodke, Jeff’s wife from McKinleyville, California, was informed about his release.

Sullivan tweeted and expressed gratitude for Jeff’s release and the assistance provided by Niger. He also thanked the government officials for their tireless efforts in securing his freedom. 

Woodke, who had been a missionary and humanitarian aid worker in Niger for over 30 years, was abducted in October 2016 from his home in Abalak, Niger by a group of armed men who killed his guards.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken also visited Niger recently, becoming the first top US diplomat to do so, shortly before Woodke’s release. Blinken reaffirmed his commitment to bringing home any American who was detained unjustly, speaking to reporters just before the release.

French journalist Olivier Dubois was also released from captivity at the same time.

In May 2021, Dubois had announced his kidnapping in a video he had posted on social media. The jihadist alliance, GSIM had claimed responsibility for his abduction. After his release, French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to Dubois and confirmed that he was in good health.

The article ends with an invitation to readers to subscribe to receive free breaking news alerts.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and other lawmakers are meeting in Orlando for the annual House Republican Policy retreat.

The mayor of a southern California city has announced that two sex offenders were arrested for having sex with minors at an El Cajon hotel a few days ago.

A Texas court is expected to decide the fate of mifepristone, or the abortion pill. Since its FDA approval in 2000, millions of pregnancies have been terminated and at least 28 women have died.

Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene spoke to House Republicans at their annual policy retreat in Orlando. One America’s Neil W. McCabe was on the ground to cover the event.

The Kremlin in Moscow has advised officials involved in the preparation of Russia’s 2024 presidential election to avoid using Apple iPhones due to security concerns.

Baidu’s Ernie bot can generate pictures of flowers and write Tang dynasty-style poems in a matter of seconds.

The Biden administration has asked TikTok’s Chinese owners to sell their stakes in the popular video app or face a divestment process.

The Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan will oversee the regulation of cryptocurrencies on the island.