Breaking News: The Taliban has released American hostage George Glezmann after over two years in Afghanistan. This release followed negotiations between the Trump administration and Qatari officials, according to a diplomatic source familiar with the situation.
Glezmann departed from Kabul airport on Wednesday evening local time, heading to Doha, where he is expected to meet with U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler and a team from the Qatari Foreign Ministry.
The 65-year-old American was abducted while visiting Kabul as a tourist on December 5, 2022. His release comes after Boehler engaged in direct talks with officials from the Afghan foreign ministry, alongside Qatari officials.
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While Qatar has maintained diplomatic relations with Afghanistan post the 2021 Taliban takeover, the U.S. has not yet established formal ties.
The diplomatic source confirmed that Glezmann’s release was a “goodwill gesture” from the Taliban, indicating “trust” in Qatar’s ongoing role as an intermediary between Washington and Kabul.
This release contrasts with that of two other Americans, Ryan Corbett and William Mckenty, who were freed earlier this year in an exchange for a Taliban member held in U.S. custody, a deal brokered by the Biden administration.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio celebrated Glezmann’s release, stating, “George Glezmann is free. George was wrongfully detained in Afghanistan for two and a half years, but now he’s on his way to be reunited with his wife, Aleksandra. Welcome home, George!”
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The Trump administration prioritized hostage releases globally and aimed to renew relations with adversarial nations.
It remains uncertain whether Boehler’s meeting with the Afghan foreign ministry indicates a potential establishment of official diplomatic ties with the Taliban, especially as the U.S. seeks the release of another American still detained in Afghanistan.
U.S. citizen Mahmood Habibi has been held by the Taliban for over two years, although the insurgent-run government denies holding him.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
