Kabul (Agencies): The Taliban has released George Glezmann, a U.S. citizen who had been held captive for over two years, in a deal brokered by Qatar. Glezmann, a Delta Airlines mechanic, was abducted in December 2022 while visiting Afghanistan as a tourist. His release on Thursday marks the third instance since January of an American detainee being freed by the Taliban through Qatari mediation.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed Glezmann’s release, calling it a “positive and constructive step.” He thanked Qatar for its key role in the negotiations and confirmed that Glezmann is now en route to reunite with his wife, Aleksandra.
This latest development follows the earlier release of Americans Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, who were freed on the night of President Trump’s inauguration under a deal initially negotiated during Joe Biden’s administration.
The Taliban has positioned these releases as part of its broader effort to gain international legitimacy. However, the group remains largely unrecognized globally since seizing power in Afghanistan in August 2021. While no country has officially recognized the Taliban government, several nations continue to engage with it diplomatically.