- George Glezmann was detained in 2022 while visiting Kabul as a tourist.
- US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirms the release.
- This event marks the highest-level discussions between the US and the Taliban.
DOHA/KABUL: On Thursday, the Taliban released an American citizen who had been detained in Afghanistan for over two years after direct negotiations between US hostage envoy Adam Boehler and Taliban representatives in Kabul, according to a source familiar with the release reporting to Reuters.
George Glezmann, who was apprehended in 2022 while traveling in Kabul as a tourist, departed Afghanistan on a Qatari flight headed for Qatar on Thursday evening. Both Glezmann and Boehler are expected to continue their journey to the United States from there.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued a statement on Thursday acknowledging Glezmann’s release.
The meeting in Kabul represented the highest-level direct conversations between the United States and the Taliban since former President Donald Trump took office in January.
During the meeting, Boehler engaged with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s foreign minister, as confirmed by a statement from the Afghan foreign ministry.
“The discussions covered Afghanistan-US relations, prisoner releases, and consular services for Afghans residing in the United States,” the statement noted.
Former US Special Representative to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad also participated in the talks.
Qatar has played a crucial role in representing US diplomatic interests in Taliban-led Afghanistan and facilitated negotiations for Glezmann’s release with Taliban officials, according to the source.
“After weeks of discussions, a significant advancement was achieved by the Qataris in their recent meetings with the Taliban,” the source stated under the condition of anonymity.
‘Goodwill Gesture’
The release of Glezmann was described by the Taliban as a “goodwill gesture” and not linked to any agreement regarding the release of Afghan detainees held by the US, according to the source.
In January, the US released an Afghan national convicted in American courts for drug smuggling and terrorism in exchange for two American detainees in Afghanistan, an arrangement that also involved Qatari negotiations.
A third American, Mahmood Habibi, is believed to still be in custody in Afghanistan.
The Qatari foreign ministry did not respond to a request for comment at this time.
‘High-level Diplomacy’
Glezmann’s release is the second notable recovery of a US citizen abroad facilitated through Boehler’s diplomatic work recently.
Boehler was also instrumental in negotiating the release of American schoolteacher Marc Fogel from Russia last month.
Working as a mechanic for Delta Airlines in Atlanta, Glezmann was visiting Kabul when he was detained by the Taliban in December 2022, according to the Foley Foundation, which tracks cases of Americans held abroad.
The foundation reported that Glezmann had intermittent phone communication with his wife since his detention and that his health had declined while in captivity.
