KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Taliban authorities on Thursday released George Glezmann, an American citizen detained in Afghanistan for more than two years.
Glezmann, an airline mechanic from Atlanta, was apprehended by Taliban intelligence in December 2022 while touring Afghanistan.
His release follows negotiations led by U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler, with mediation by Qatari officials.
Glezmann departed Afghanistan on a Qatari aircraft bound for Qatar and is expected to return to the United States.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed gratitude to Qatar for its assistance, stating, “George’s release is a positive and constructive step. It is also a reminder that other Americans are still detained in Afghanistan.”
This marks the third release of an American detainee by the Taliban since January.
In previous instances, detainees were exchanged for imprisoned Taliban members. However, Glezmann’s release occurred without any prisoner exchange.
