KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban government has released an American citizen, a decision welcomed by United States President Donald Trump’s special envoy for hostage response, Adam Boehler, who called it a “good moment.” The move signals a small diplomatic breakthrough in sensitive ongoing negotiations between Kabul and Washington.
Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi was quoted in a statement as saying, “The Afghan government does not view the issues of its citizens from a political angle and makes it clear that ways can be found to resolve the issues through diplomacy.” He called the release a positive development and thanked the government of Qatar for its facilitating role.
Negotiating a Prisoner Exchange
The US envoy, Adam Boehler, described the previous round of talks between Washington and Kabul as “constructive,” expressing hope that negotiations on outstanding issues would continue. This was the second visit to Kabul by the American delegation.
During their previous visit, the US delegation demanded the release of American prisoners. In return, Taliban leaders called for the release of Afghan national Mohammad Rahim, who is believed to be held in the Guantanamo Bay detention centre. The US delegation had reportedly agreed in principle to free Rahim, who would be brought to Qatar. However, the Afghan Foreign Ministry statement did not confirm whether Rahim’s release would proceed.
Recent Release of British Couple
The development follows the earlier release this month of an elderly British couple, Peter Reynolds, , and his wife Barbara, , who had been detained in Afghanistan for almost eight months. Pressure to free the pair had intensified due to fears over their health.
Taliban officials refused to detail the reasons for their arrest in February. Standing on the tarmac at Kabul airport, a visibly relieved Barbara told reporters, “We’ve been treated very well. We’re looking forward to seeing our children.”
