Key Facts

• An American missionary was kidnapped in Niamey, the capital of Niger.
• The incident happened close to the palace where former President Mohamed Bazoum is held.
• The missionary has been in Niger since 2010, working for a U.S.-based charity.
• The U.S. government is working with local authorities to ensure the man's safe return.
• Three unidentified gunmen are believed to have kidnapped the missionary.
• The kidnapped man's phone was tracked to an area known for militant activity linked to the Islamic State.
• The kidnapping follows a recent coup in Niger, changing its political landscape with a military junta now in power.
• Niger is a large country in West Africa, important for its role in regional stability and counter-terrorism efforts.