Taliban Frees American Citizen George Glezmann After Two Years in Detention Following US-Taliban Talks
In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, the Taliban on Thursday released American citizen George Glezmann, who had been detained in Afghanistan for over two years. His release came after high-level direct talks between US hostage envoy Adam Boehler and Taliban officials in Kabul, sources told Reuters.
Glezmann, a Delta Airlines mechanic from Atlanta, was detained by the Taliban in December 2022 while visiting Kabul as a tourist. After spending more than two years in captivity, he was freed and immediately flown out of Afghanistan aboard a Qatari aircraft bound for Qatar. He is expected to travel to the United States soon, accompanied by Boehler.
Highest-Level Talks Between US and Taliban
The discussions that led to Glezmann’s release marked the highest-level direct engagement between the United States and the Taliban since President Donald Trump took office in January. Boehler met with the Taliban’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, during a diplomatic session in Kabul.
A statement released by Afghanistan’s foreign ministry confirmed that the meeting covered various issues, including Afghanistan-US relations, the release of prisoners, and the provision of consular services for Afghans living in the United States. Former US special representative to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, was also present at the meeting.
Role of Qatar in the Negotiations
Qatar, which serves as a diplomatic intermediary for US interests in Afghanistan, played a key role in securing Glezmann’s freedom. According to a source familiar with the negotiations, the breakthrough came after weeks of intense discussions involving Qatari officials and the Taliban.
“Following weeks of negotiations, a breakthrough was made by the Qataris during recent meetings with the Taliban,” the source said, speaking anonymously. The Qatari foreign ministry has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
No Prisoner Swap Involved
Unlike previous releases of detained Americans, Glezmann’s freedom was not part of a prisoner swap. The Taliban reportedly freed him as a “goodwill gesture,” and there was no agreement to release any Afghan detainees held in US custody in return.
In January, the US had released an Afghan citizen convicted of drug smuggling and terrorism in exchange for two American citizens—Ryan Corbett and William McKenty—who had been held in Afghanistan. Qatar had also played a key role in negotiating that deal.
However, at least one more American, Mahmood Habibi, is believed to still be in Taliban custody. The US government has not provided details on his case or ongoing efforts to secure his release.
Health Concerns and Family Reactions
According to the Foley Foundation, an organization that monitors the cases of Americans detained abroad, Glezmann had limited contact with his family during his detention. The foundation also noted that he suffered from health conditions that deteriorated while in custody.
His release brings relief to his loved ones, who had been advocating for his safe return. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed his release in an official statement but did not provide further details on his condition or immediate plans following his arrival in Qatar.
Growing Concerns Over Americans Detained Abroad
Glezmann’s case is the latest in a series of high-profile detentions of US citizens overseas. His release follows another successful diplomatic effort by Boehler last month, which led to the release of American school teacher Marc Fogel from Russia.
The US government continues to engage in diplomatic efforts to free American citizens detained in foreign countries, often relying on intermediaries such as Qatar to facilitate negotiations.
As Glezmann prepares to reunite with his family, his case highlights the complex challenges of securing the release of detainees in countries with strained diplomatic ties to the United States.
