Amir Amiri freed from Afghanistan through Qatar mediation, marking the fifth US citizen release under Taliban rule this year. Photo: X.
Amir Amiri, an American citizen who had been detained in Afghanistan since December, has been released and is on his way back to the United States, following mediation efforts led by Qatar. His release marks the fifth release this year in which US citizens have been freed by Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers, who regained control in August 2021 after the withdrawal of US-led forces ended two decades of occupation and war.
Reports revealed that negotiations spanned several months. Qatari officials first facilitated a meeting between Amiri and Adam Boehler, the US special envoy for hostage affairs. A breakthrough that secured his release was reportedly achieved over the weekend.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed Amiri’s return, emphasizing the US government’s commitment to protecting its citizens abroad.
“While this marks an important step forward, additional Americans remain unjustly detained in Afghanistan,” Rubio said. “President [Donald] Trump will not rest until all our captive citizens are back home.”
The other four American citizens released this year include Ryan Corbett, William McKenty, George Glezmann, and Faye Hall.
Also Read: Girls Banned, Critics Jailed: HRW Slams Global Silence as Taliban Cracks Down on Afghan Rights
Qatar, a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council, has previously assisted in high-profile releases, including a British couple freed on September 19 after months of imprisonment.
Since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul on August 15, 2021, Qatar has played a key role in mediating between the US and the Taliban, despite the Taliban-led government not being formally recognized internationally.
Doha has maintained diplomatic channels with the Taliban, providing avenues for sensitive negotiations and dialogue.
Qatar’s Foreign Minister confirmed that Amiri is traveling first to Doha before continuing to the United States.
Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Qatar’s Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated on X, “His release serves as a significant step toward encouraging direct dialogue and enhancing communication channels between parties.”
Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi described the release as a positive measure by his government and expressed gratitude to Qatar for its effective mediation role.
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
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