KABUL: Taliban authorities released US citizen George Glezmann on Thursday after more than two years of detention, in a deal facilitated by Qatar, as announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The release followed a meeting in Kabul between Taliban officials and a US delegation, marking a significant diplomatic development.
Glezmann, a Delta Airlines mechanic, was detained in Afghanistan for over two and a half years. Rubio confirmed his release in a statement, saying, “Today, after two and a half years of captivity in Afghanistan, George Glezmann is on his way to be reunited with his wife, Aleksandra.” He added, “George’s release is a positive and constructive step. It is also a reminder that other Americans remain detained in Afghanistan.”
A source familiar with the matter told AFP that Glezmann was en route to Qatar following his release. The announcement came after Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi hosted US hostage envoy Adam Boehler and former US envoy to Kabul, Zalmay Khalilzad, in the Afghan capital. Khalilzad described the day as a positive milestone, posting on social media, “Today is a good day.”
The Taliban government stated that Glezmann was released on “humanitarian grounds” and as a “goodwill gesture.” A foreign ministry spokesperson emphasized that the move reflects Afghanistan’s willingness to engage constructively with the United States and other nations based on mutual respect and shared interests.
This visit by the US delegation is the first since President Donald Trump took office in January, according to Taliban foreign ministry spokesperson Hafiz Zia Ahmad. Since the Taliban regained power in 2021, most interactions between the two sides have occurred in third countries, making this meeting in Kabul particularly notable.
The release comes amid ongoing efforts to address the cases of other detained foreigners in Afghanistan. Last month, Taliban authorities announced the arrest of a Chinese-American woman in Bamiyan province, a popular tourist destination known for its historical Buddha statues, which were destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. Officials have not provided details about the reasons for her detention.
At least one other American, Mahmood Habibi, remains in Taliban custody. In July, Kabul revealed that it was in discussions with Washington regarding a potential prisoner exchange. These talks took place in Qatar during an international conference attended by UN representatives, Taliban officials, and regional envoys.
Earlier this year, two Americans, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, were released in exchange for an Afghan fighter, Khan Mohammed, who had been convicted of narco-terrorism in the United States. Shortly after, Canadian former soldier David Lavery was freed following over two months of detention, in another deal brokered by Qatar.
The Taliban government, which remains unrecognized by any country, has maintained diplomatic ties with several nations, including Russia, China, and Turkey, which have kept their embassies open in Kabul. Western officials, particularly from the UK and Norway, have also engaged with the Taliban, though such visits are less frequent.
The release of Glezmann marks a step forward in US-Taliban relations, which have been strained since the group’s return to power. The Taliban has expressed hopes for a “new chapter” in its relationship with Washington, building on the peace agreement signed during Trump’s first term. However, the path to broader diplomatic normalization remains uncertain.
