American detained by Taliban in Afghanistan is freed in…

George Glezmann, a US citizen detained in Afghanistan for over two years, has been released following negotiations facilitated by Qatar and US officials. His return to the US marks a significant diplomatic success, although he faced harsh conditions while imprisoned. His wife expressed concerns about his health during his captivity, emphasizing the need for his release.

An American citizen, George Glezmann, 66, who had been detained in Afghanistan for over two years, was released and is now on his way back to the United States. The release, which occurred on Thursday, was made possible through weeks of negotiations that were facilitated by Qatar and US mediators, as confirmed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Rubio noted, “Today, after two and a half years of captivity in Afghanistan, Delta Airlines mechanic George Glezmann is on his way to be reunited with his wife, Aleksandra.” Reports indicate that no individuals were released in exchange for Glezmann’s freedom. Sources suggest that a significant breakthrough occurred during a recent meeting between Qatari officials and the Taliban.

US hostage envoy Adam Boehler was closely involved in the negotiations alongside his Qatari counterparts, and he was expected to accompany Glezmann on his journey back from Kabul. The Afghan Foreign Ministry publicly released photographs of Boehler meeting with Taliban officials, emphasizing the diplomatic efforts involved in securing Glezmann’s release.

Former US Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad also confirmed the release on social media, remarking, “Today is a good day. We succeeded in obtaining the release of an American citizen, Georg(e) Glezmann, after two years in detention in Kabul.” He further stated that the Taliban’s decision to release Glezmann was a goodwill gesture towards the US and its citizens.

Glezmann was initially detained by the Taliban in December 2022. After the US designated him as wrongfully detained in September 2023, US Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock campaigned vigorously for his release. Reports indicate that Glezmann endured harsh conditions, being confined in a nine-foot by nine-foot cell, experiencing extended solitary confinement, and receiving minimal communication with his family.

The absence of a US diplomatic presence in Afghanistan, following the Taliban’s takeover, has positioned Qatar as a critical intermediary for the US. Rubio acknowledged Qatar’s instrumental role, stating that they have been a “reliable partner and trusted mediator” throughout the negotiations.

Notably, Glezmann is the third US citizen freed from Afghanistan this year. Two others, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, were released in January through a prisoner exchange facilitated by Qatar, which also provided support during their release operations. Despite requests from US officials, Glezmann and another American, Mahmoud Habibi, were not included in that earlier prisoner exchange, an outcome that has been met with disappointment.

Glezmann’s wife has previously expressed her concerns for her husband’s health condition, describing deteriorating medical issues during his detention. In a letter to President Biden, she highlighted the serious health challenges he faced, underscoring the urgency of his release.

The release of George Glezmann is a significant diplomatic achievement involving extensive negotiations by Qatari and US officials. His prolonged detention and the challenging conditions endured underscore the complexities of international hostages and diplomacy in conflict zones. As Glezmann reunites with his family, the collaborative efforts of Qatar and the US demonstrate the potential for resolving such cases through continued dialogue and partnership.

Original Source: kesq.com