DOHA: US Citizen Freed from Taliban Detention in Afghanistan
Release Marks High-Level Diplomacy Efforts
DOHA: The Taliban today freed an American citizen detained in Afghanistan for over two years following direct talks between US hostage envoy Adam Boehler and Taliban officials in Kabul, a source briefed on the release told Reuters.
Release of George Glezmann
George Glezmann, who was detained in 2022 while visiting Kabul as a tourist, left Afghanistan aboard a Qatari aircraft today evening bound for Qatar, the source said. Glezmann and Boehler are expected to later travel onward to the US. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement confirming Glezmann’s release.
Taliban’s "Goodwill Gesture"
The Taliban authorities released Glezmann as a "goodwill gesture" and not as part of a deal to free any Afghan detainees held by the US in exchange, the source said. The US in January freed an Afghan convicted by an American court on charges of drug smuggling and terrorism in exchange for two US citizens held in Afghanistan.
Boehler’s High-Level Diplomacy
Glezmann’s release marks the second high-profile release of a US citizen held overseas secured amid diplomacy by Boehler. Boehler was involved in efforts that led to the release of American school teacher Marc Fogel from Russia last month. In addition, Boehler has held direct talks with Palestinian resistance group Hamas in an effort to secure the release of remaining hostages held in Gaza. He also traveled to Iraq last month to push for the release of Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, a student at Princeton University.
Background on Glezmann’s Detention
Glezmann, a mechanic for Delta Airlines in Atlanta, was visiting Kabul as a tourist when he was detained by the Taliban in December 2022, according to the Foley Foundation, which monitors cases of Americans detained overseas. The foundation said Glezmann had been in sporadic telephone contact with his wife since he was detained, and that he had health conditions that deteriorated while in detention.
Qatar’s Role in Negotiations
Qatar, a Gulf Arab state which represents US diplomatic interests in Taliban-ruled Afghanistan, coordinated with Boehler to negotiate Glezmann’s release with the Taliban authorities. "Following weeks of negotiations, a breakthrough was made by the Qataris during recent meetings with the Taliban," the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
FAQs
Q: What is the current status of George Glezmann?
A: Glezmann was released from Taliban detention in Afghanistan and is expected to travel to the US.
Q: Who negotiated Glezmann’s release?
A: US hostage envoy Adam Boehler and Taliban officials negotiated Glezmann’s release.
Q: What was the outcome of the meeting between Boehler and Taliban officials?
A: The meeting resulted in Glezmann’s release and discussions on Afghanistan-US bilateral relations, the release of prisoners, and the provision of consular services to Afghans in the US.
Q: What is the current status of other American citizens detained in Afghanistan?
A: Two American citizens, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, were released in January, while a third, Mahmood Habibi, remains in custody.