What reportedly happened in Conakry
Two American pilots on a Gulfstream IV charter flight say they were ambushed by a large, armed Guinean military force after making a scheduled refueling stop at Ahmed Sékou Touré International Airport in late December 2025. According to family statements and reporting, about 100 troops surrounded the aircraft as it landed. The pilots were detained on accusations including unauthorized landing and violating national sovereignty. Crew members say they followed instructions, had clearance from air traffic control, and believed a local handler had arranged any necessary permits. The details raise real questions about whether this was a paperwork error, an overreaction by local forces, or something more deliberate.
Who the pilots are and their jail conditions
The men are identified as veteran pilot Brad Schlenker, 63, of Illinois, and Fabio Espinal Nunez, 33, of New Jersey. Family members say the pilots were first held at a police station for about 10 days and then transferred into Conakry’s prison system. Relatives and reporting describe overcrowded cells with dirt floors, limited sanitation, and dependence on outside help for food. One family source says detainees rotate sleeping shifts because space is so tight. U.S. consular officers have reportedly visited the two pilots multiple times since their detention began on December 30, 2025.
What U.S. officials have said and the families’ plea
The U.S. State Department and the U.S. Embassy in Guinea have confirmed they are providing consular assistance and remain in contact with the families. The official line is that the Department is engaged in the case and that visits by consular officers have taken place. Still, the pilots’ families are publicly begging for more direct action and have appealed to President Donald Trump to intervene. In interviews and statements they express fear for the men’s health and safety and frustration at the slow pace of progress. They want urgent and concrete diplomatic pressure to get the pilots home.
What Americans should watch for next
This case touches on several issues Americans care about. First, the safety of U.S. citizens detained abroad matters and should be a top priority for our government. Second, aviation crews operating international charters need clear rules and reliable local support. Third, families and the public deserve transparent updates from U.S. officials about what steps are being taken. Lawmakers and the administration can press Guinea for due process and humane treatment while pushing for a speedy resolution. The pilots and their families say they want one thing above all. They want to come home.
🚨MAJOR BREAKING: The two U.S. pilots ILLEGALLY ARRESTED in West Africa as they made a simple fuel stop are begging President Trump for help.
“Mr. Trump, can you please come down here & get us out of here?”
Since the media is ignoring this, share this post to make it GO VIRAL! pic.twitter.com/IMzPg6HFmL
— Carter Hughes (@itscarterhughes) February 18, 2026
WE’D LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS! PLEASE COMMENT BELOW.
JIMMY
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