Taliban Frees U.S. Citizen from Afghan Prison

The Taliban have released a U.S. citizen from detention in Afghanistan, following weeks of negotiations reportedly linked to a prisoner exchange agreement aimed at improving relations with the United States.

The man, identified as Amir Amiri, had been held in Afghanistan since December 2024. Details about the reasons for his detention or the exact location of the prison were not disclosed. U.S. officials confirmed that Amiri is now on his way back to the United States.

Qatar played a key role in facilitating the release, continuing its diplomatic efforts that have secured the freedom of multiple Americans and other foreign nationals from Taliban custody this year. The Gulf nation has also helped free a British couple who were imprisoned in Afghanistan for several months.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed Amiri’s return, highlighting the administration’s commitment to protecting Americans abroad. “This marks an important step forward, but additional Americans remain detained in Afghanistan,” he said, emphasizing ongoing efforts to secure their release.

Families of other U.S. citizens held by the Taliban expressed cautious optimism. Ahmad Habibi, whose brother Mahmood Habibi has been missing since 2022, said the news of Amiri’s release gives hope that his family’s long wait may soon end. Mahmood, an Afghan-American businessman and former contractor in Kabul, is believed to have been taken by the Taliban, although the group denies holding him.

The release of Amiri underscores the continued role of diplomatic channels and international mediation in addressing cases of wrongful detention in Afghanistan, even amid ongoing tensions in the region.