Qatar’s mediation helps release of American citizen from
Taliban detention
An American citizen detained in Afghanistan for nearly a year has been released following a prisoner exchange deal brokered with the assistance of Qatar.
Amir Amiry, 36, was freed from Taliban custody on Sunday,
weeks after a U.S.-negotiated agreement with Afghan authorities, facilitated
through Qatari mediation. Amiry had been held in Afghanistan since December 2024,
though the Taliban have not disclosed the reasons for his detention or the
location in which he was held.
His release marks a significant diplomatic achievement amid
ongoing efforts to stabilize strained U.S.-Afghanistan relations. It also
highlights Qatar’s growing role as a key intermediary in international hostage
negotiations.
U.S. appreciates Qatar for diplomatic role
U.S. officials confirmed that Qatari diplomats played a central role in the negotiation process and closely monitored Amiry’s health and wellbeing throughout his imprisonment.
"Amir Amiry became a citizen by putting his life at
risk fighting for our country and our troops. Today we repay the favor. God
bless America and God bless the President," said U.S. Special Envoy Adam
Boehler in a statement to Fox News.
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praises Qatar's role in securing release of two British citizens detained in
Afghanistan
Amiry was accompanied on his flight back to the United
States by Boehler, Deputy Assistant to the U.S. President Sebastian Gorka, and
Qatari officials.
Qatar's track record of mediation
In a statement shared with CNN, Qatari Minister of State
Mohammed Al-Khulaifi reaffirmed his country’s commitment to diplomacy:
“Qatar remains committed to advancing mediation efforts
aimed at achieving peaceful solutions to conflicts and complex international
issues.”
Amiry is the fifth American to be released from Taliban
detention this year with Qatar’s assistance. The Gulf nation also played a
crucial role in securing the release of a British couple held in Afghanistan
for several months.
More Americans still detained
Despite the successful release, at least three other U.S.
citizens are believed to remain in Taliban custody. The latest exchange has
renewed hope among families of the detained that further diplomatic
breakthroughs are possible.
Ahmad Habibi, whose brother has been held since August 2022,
expressed cautious optimism:
"We’re grateful to hear that another American has been
freed from unjust Taliban captivity. We’ve been assured that any future deals
will be 'all or nothing' — and that my brother won’t be left behind."
Unclear what Taliban received in exchange
While the details of the exchange remain undisclosed, U.S.
officials have not confirmed what—if anything—was offered in return for Amiry’s
release. Negotiations were reportedly concluded weeks before his actual
release.
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Secretary of State Rubio praises release
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio publicly welcomed
Amiry's return, highlighting the administration's stance on wrongful detentions
abroad.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Rubio wrote:
"Today we welcome home Amir Amiry, an American who was
wrongfully detained in Afghanistan.
I want to thank Qatar for helping secure his freedom.
[The President] has made it clear we will not stop until
every American unjustly detained abroad is back home."
The successful negotiation underscores a renewed U.S.-Qatar
security partnership, which continues to play a pivotal role in high-stakes
diplomacy in the region.
Source: Daily Mail