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A United States citizen, George Glezmann, who was abducted by the Taliban while traveling as a tourist in Afghanistan in December 2022, has been released after two years in captivity. According to the US Department of State, his release on Thursday marks the third US detainee freed by the Taliban since January 2025.
In a statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio called Glezmann’s release a “positive and constructive step.” He also expressed gratitude to Qatar for playing a crucial role in securing Glezmann’s freedom.
“Today, after two and a half years in captivity in Afghanistan, Delta Airlines mechanic George Glezmann is on his way to be reunited with his wife, Aleksandra,” Rubio stated.
George Glezmann now joins American detainees Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, who were freed on the night of President Trump’s inauguration, with their release also facilitated by Qatar.
While Corbett and McKenty’s freedom was the result of a deal brokered by the Biden administration, Glezmann’s release was not part of a prisoner exchange but rather a goodwill gesture from the Taliban.
Key Context on US-Taliban Relations
The Taliban has described the release of US detainees as part of its global “normalization” efforts. Since the Taliban’s rapid takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, no country has officially recognized their government. Despite this, several countries continue to operate diplomatic facilities in Afghanistan.
The agreement between the US and the Taliban for troop withdrawal, negotiated during the Trump administration in 2020, set a 14-month deadline. This deal excluded the Afghan government, which was later toppled amid the US’s chaotic exit.
Unlike Biden’s agreement, Glezmann’s release did not involve the exchange of Taliban prisoners held by the US, as confirmed by a US official.
More US Citizens Still in Taliban Custody
While George Glezmann has been freed, US officials acknowledge that other Americans remain in Taliban custody. Among them is Afghan-American businessman Mahmood Habibi, though the Taliban has denied holding him.
Secretary Rubio assured that President Trump will continue his efforts to secure the release of all US citizens detained abroad, emphasizing that these efforts are a priority for the administration.
