In a significant development, the Taliban has released George Glezmann, an American citizen who had been detained in Afghanistan for more than two years. Glezmann, a 65-year-old airline mechanic from Georgia, was apprehended by Taliban intelligence in December 2022 while visiting Kabul as a tourist.

The release was facilitated through direct negotiations between U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler and Taliban officials in Kabul. The discussions also involved former U.S. special representative to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad and were mediated by Qatari representatives.

Glezmann departed Afghanistan aboard a Qatari aircraft bound for Qatar and is expected to return to the United States subsequently. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Glezmann's release and expressed gratitude for Qatar's role in the negotiations.

This release marks the highest-level direct talks between the United States and the Taliban since President Donald Trump assumed office in January. The Taliban's decision to release Glezmann was described as a "goodwill gesture" and was not part of a prisoner exchange deal.

The Office of the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs (SPEHA), established in 2015, leads U.S. government efforts to secure the freedom of U.S. nationals held hostage or wrongfully detained overseas.

Glezmann's wife expressed immense gratitude to President Trump for his efforts in securing her husband's release. Despite this positive development, several Americans remain detained in Afghanistan, with ongoing efforts to secure their release.

This event underscores the complexities of U.S.-Afghan relations and highlights the ongoing diplomatic engagements aimed at addressing humanitarian concerns and improving bilateral ties.

Source: Reuters