The Libyan Armed Forces announced the liberation of two Russian citizens who had been kidnapped in Mali since December 2024, confirming that the operation was carried out under the supervision and follow-up of the Deputy Commander-in-Chief, Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar.
A military source explained that information obtained by the competent authorities from one of the elements captured during the operation to free the American hostage Kevin Rydowet contributed to locating and reaching the Russian citizens.
According to the source, the two citizens arrived in Benghazi after a journey he described as perilous, while the relevant authorities are preparing to hand them over to the authorities in their country.
The source confirmed that the operation comes within the framework of the armed forces' commitments to cooperate with the international community and support efforts to combat armed groups and maintain peace and stability in the Sahel and Sahara region.
RT obtained footage documenting the arrival of Russian citizens Nagaliev Vasily and Yefremov Alexander in Libya, after their release from detention in Mali, following mediation by the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Saddam Haftar, with the Azawad Front.
Military sources told RT that the Azawad Front released the Russian citizens as a goodwill gesture and in response to mediation by Saddam Haftar, while the Libyan special forces, under his supervision, took charge of securing and transporting the citizens from Mali to Libya.
The operation was fraught with security risks during the transfer, but Libyan special forces successfully secured the citizens and brought them to Libya.
Nagaliev Vasily, 30, from Nizhny Novgorod, said their release was overseen by Libyan National Army Deputy Commander-in-Chief Saddam Haftar, adding that they were preparing to return to Russia.
Yefremov Alexander, 38, from Sarajevo, also arrived in Libya with his compatriot after their transfer and safe arrival.
The two Russian citizens had been held in Mali since December 2024, before Libyan mediation with the Azawad Front led to their release and transfer to Libya.
The operation comes amid escalating security challenges in the Sahel and Sahara region, which is witnessing activity by armed groups and kidnappings, while Libya seeks to strengthen regional security cooperation and support efforts to counter cross-border threats.
