Two American pilots are trapped in a dire situation, stuck in a harsh prison in Guinea after a routine fuel stop turned into a nightmare. Brad Schlenker, 63, and Fabio Espinal Nunez, 33, were simply refueling their Gulfstream IV when a large military force ambushed them as they landed at Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport in late December 2025.
Instead of receiving the expected assistance for their fuel stop, they encountered nearly 100 armed Guinean soldiers. The military personnel surrounded their aircraft, armed with AK-47s, and abruptly detained the pilots. Guinean authorities accused them of violating national sovereignty, entering airspace without permission, making an unauthorized landing, and endangering national defense.
Reports suggest that the detention may have stemmed from issues with paperwork. A family source indicated that the pilots believed the necessary permits for the landing had been arranged, raising suspicion that their arrest could result from malicious intent or a calculated deception. Initially held for about ten days at a police station, they were later moved to a prison where conditions have become alarmingly grim.
Concern for the pilots’ well-being has grown among family members. Stevenson, a family source, described the prison conditions to People.com, painting a harrowing picture of overcrowding and unsanitary living situations. With dirt floors and limited access to sanitation, it has become a struggle for inmates to survive, with some reportedly taking turns sleeping. Food is scarce, forcing detainees to rely on outside support.
The U.S. State Department has acknowledged their situation, stating it is actively providing consular assistance. Officials have visited the pilots several times since their detention. “The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens,” said a spokesperson. This commitment to assisting Americans abroad has been reiterated, despite the lack of further comments due to privacy concerns.
As the crisis deepens, the pilots’ families are publicly calling for President Donald Trump to intervene. In a direct appeal to the former president, Schlenker asked, “Mr. Trump, can you please come down here and get us out of here?” The urgency of their plea reflects the dire circumstances they face, highlighting the need for immediate action.
The story of these two American citizens in a foreign prison emphasizes a broader issue of international detainment and the complexities involved in navigating foreign legal systems. While the Trump administration has committed to assisting, the situation underscores the ongoing struggle many face when entangled in a legal battle against foreign governments.
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