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The Taliban confirmed the release of two Americans held in Afghanistan following a prisoner exchange. In return, the U.S. freed Khan Mohammed, a Taliban figure serving a life sentence in California for drug trafficking and terrorism offenses.
The swap comes amidst significant political shifts, with President Joe Biden, who oversaw the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, transferring authority to former President Donald Trump. The Taliban hailed the agreement as a step toward normalizing U.S.-Afghanistan relations, though global recognition of the Taliban’s rule remains limited.
Details of the Swap Involving U.S., Taliban, and Qatar
The Taliban’s Foreign Ministry in Kabul confirmed the exchange, stating that two unnamed American citizens were released in return for Mohammed, who was sentenced to two life terms in 2008. The family of Ryan Corbett, one of the Americans freed, confirmed his release. Corbett, detained in August 2022 while on a business trip in Afghanistan, had been residing in the country with his family at the time of the U.S.-backed government’s collapse.
Corbett’s family expressed immense gratitude, thanking both Presidents Trump and Biden, along with government officials, for their efforts. They also acknowledged Qatar’s crucial role in facilitating the release and providing support as the U.S. Protecting Power in Afghanistan.
While the Qatari Foreign Ministry declined to comment in detail about the exchange, spokesperson Majed al-Ansari confirmed that efforts to resolve the matter were ongoing.
Mohammed’s Release and His Past Conviction
Khan Mohammed, 55, was convicted in 2008 in the U.S. for his role in drug trafficking and terrorism, specifically for smuggling heroin and opium destined for the U.S., while funding Taliban activities. He was the first person convicted under U.S. narco-terrorism laws. His release was part of broader discussions between the U.S. and the Taliban, facilitated by Qatar.
Upon his return to Afghanistan, the Taliban released photos showing Mohammed being welcomed in Nangarhar province, where he expressed joy at reuniting with his family and returning to his homeland.
The Ongoing Efforts to Free More Americans
Before leaving office, President Biden’s administration had worked on securing the release of Corbett, along with George Glezmann and Mahmood Habibi, in exchange for Muhammad Rahim, a detainee at Guantanamo Bay. Glezmann and Habibi were both captured by the Taliban in 2022, but the Taliban has denied holding Habibi. His family hopes that the Trump administration will take stronger action to bring him home.
The Taliban’s Push for Recognition
The Taliban touted the prisoner exchange as a successful outcome of “long and fruitful negotiations” with the U.S., aiming to pave the way for improved bilateral relations. They view this exchange as part of their broader strategy to gain international recognition, a key goal given the economic difficulties Afghanistan faces under their rule. Although some nations, like the United Arab Emirates, have engaged with the Taliban, global recognition remains elusive.
In an ongoing effort to gain legitimacy, Taliban leaders, including Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, continue to meet with international figures, despite the U.S. still seeking Haqqani for his involvement in deadly attacks on U.S. citizens.