In brief
Amir Amiry, an American citizen, has been released after nine months in Taliban custody, thanks to extensive negotiations by Qatari mediators. This marks the fifth release of an American in Afghanistan this year. US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have expressed gratitude towards Qatar's diplomatic efforts, emphasizing the ongoing concern over other US citizens still detained.
A US citizen held by the Taliban in Afghanistan for nine months has been released following negotiations led by Qatari mediators, officials say.
The man, identified as Amir Amiry, is the fifth American to be freed from detention in Afghanistan this year. He was on his way back to the US on Sunday.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked Qatar for its tireless diplomatic efforts, which he said were crucial in securing Mr. Amiry's release.
The reason for Mr. Amiry's detention remains unclear. Rubio stated that he had been wrongfully detained.
The secretary of state added that more US citizens remain unjustly detained in Afghanistan and that the Trump administration is working on securing their release.
Qatar's foreign ministry announced that it had facilitated the release of Mr. Amiry, who was en route to Doha before traveling back to the US.
Negotiations for Mr. Amiry's release began in March, with a breakthrough reportedly reached this weekend.
This release follows two Americans freed in a prisoner swap between the US and the Taliban in January, highlighting ongoing tensions and diplomatic efforts in the region.
Amiry's case underscores the complexity of US-Taliban relations and the precarious situation of citizens abroad.
