American Freed From Taliban Custody After Qatari Mediation

An American citizen held in Afghanistan since December has been freed and is on his way home after months of quiet negotiations mediated by Qatar.

Amir Amiri became the fifth U.S. national released by Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities since they seized power in August 2021. His release underscores Qatar’s unusual role as an intermediary between Washington and the Taliban, even as no country formally recognises the Taliban-led government.

Sources familiar with the talks told Al Jazeera that Qatari officials arranged an initial meeting between Amiri and the U.S. special envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler. The breakthrough that led to his release was reached over the weekend.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the news, calling it a sign of Washington’s determination to protect its citizens abroad.

“While this marks an important step forward, additional Americans remain unjustly detained in Afghanistan,” Rubio said. “President [Donald] Trump will not rest until all our captive citizens are back home.”

Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Amiri was transiting through Doha en route to the United States. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi, Minister of State at the ministry, wrote on X that Amiri’s release “serves as a significant step toward encouraging direct dialogue and enhancing communication channels between parties.”

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi called the move positive and thanked Qatar for its “effective role” in securing Amiri’s freedom.

The Taliban returned to power in Kabul in 2021 after the collapse of the U.S.-backed government and have since been trying to emerge from international isolation. Qatar has repeatedly stepped in to broker delicate exchanges, including the September 19 release of a British couple held for months.

The four other Americans freed this year are Ryan Corbett, William McKenty, George Glezmann and Faye Hall.