BREAKING: U.S. officials have confirmed that Amir Amiry, an American hostage held by the Taliban in Afghanistan for nine months, has been released following intense negotiations involving Qatari mediators. As of Sunday, Amiry is en route back to the United States, marking him as the fifth American to be freed this year.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Qatar’s “tireless diplomatic efforts” as crucial in securing Amiry’s release, declaring him “wrongfully detained.” The circumstances surrounding Amiry’s detention remain unclear, raising concerns about the fate of other U.S. citizens still “unjustly detained” in Afghanistan.
Before returning to U.S. soil, Amiry will make a stop in Doha, Qatar, according to the Qatari foreign minister who facilitated this breakthrough. Negotiations began in March between Amiry and U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler, culminating in this weekend’s successful release.
Just two months ago, two Americans were freed in a significant prisoner swap involving the Taliban. One of the detainees, Ryan Corbett, was abducted during a work trip in 2022. In exchange, the U.S. released Khan Mohammad, a Taliban figure serving a life sentence in California for drug trafficking and terrorism charges.
The urgency of these developments cannot be overstated. The emotional toll on families waiting for their loved ones is immense.
“While the road to recovery will be long as our parents regain their health and spend time with their family, today is a day of tremendous joy and relief,”
said Sarah Entwistle, daughter of British couple Peter and Barbie Reynolds, who were also released earlier this month after nearly two decades in Afghanistan.
The situation remains fluid, with reports indicating that other Americans, including George Glezmann, detained during a tourist visit to Afghanistan in 2022, are still awaiting release. The U.S. administration continues to work diligently to secure their freedom.
As the world watches, the implications of these negotiations extend beyond individual lives. The ongoing diplomatic efforts highlight the delicate balance of international relations in a region marked by tension and uncertainty.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.