Afghanistan: Taliban frees American national George Glezmann after remaining in captivity for over two years
Afghanistan's Taliban administration has freed American national George Glezmann after staying in captivity in the war-torn South Asian country for over two years.
George Glezmann, a Delta Airlines mechanic, was detained in December 2022 when he was reportedly visiting Afghanistan as a tourist.
He arrived in Qatar on Thursday and then proceeded towards the USA from the Middle East nation.
His release was confirmed after the Taliban government's foreign minister hosted US hostage envoy Adam Boehler and other US officials in the Afghan capital, Kabul, reported BBC.
Marco Rubio Praises Qatar
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, meanwhile, described his release as a 'positive step'.
He praised Qatar for playing a steadfast commitment and diplomatic efforts were instrumental in securing George’s release.
"Qatar has consistently proven to be a reliable partner and trusted mediator, facilitating complex negotiations," Rubio said.
"George’s release is a positive and constructive step. It is also a reminder that other Americans are still detained in Afghanistan," he said.
Rubio said President Donald Trump will continue his tireless work to free ALL Americans unjustly detained around the world.
Afghanistan witnessed a massive political shift in 2021 when former President Ashraf Ghani-led government collapsed amid Taliban surge.
The Taliban captured Kabul on August 15, 2021 and took charge of the government since then.
Afghanistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the US national was released on 'humanitarian ground'.
"Today the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan released an American prisoner, George Glezmann, on humanitarian grounds," the Ministry said.
IBNS
Senior Staff Reporter at Northeast Herald, covering news from Tripura and Northeast India.
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