ALBAWABA- An American citizen detained in Afghanistan for over two years has been released in a deal brokered by Qatar, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Thursday.
George Glezmann, 66, a Delta Airlines mechanic, was freed after weeks of negotiations led by Qatari and U.S. officials. Rubio confirmed that Glezmann is now en route to the United States, where he will reunite with his wife, Aleksandra.
A U.S. official told CNN that no prisoners were exchanged for his release. A breakthrough in talks reportedly occurred during a recent meeting between Qatari mediators and the Taliban.
U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler, who played a key role in the negotiations, is accompanying Glezmann on his journey home.
Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry released images of Boehler and former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad meeting with Taliban officials.
Khalilzad later confirmed Glezmann’s release, calling it a “goodwill gesture” by the Taliban toward the U.S. and its people.
Glezmann was detained by the Taliban in December 2022, just over a year after the group regained control of Afghanistan. The U.S. officially classified him as wrongfully detained in September 2023.
He had traveled to Afghanistan for a brief cultural visit but was imprisoned under harsh conditions, reportedly held in a cramped cell, subjected to months of solitary confinement, and granted only minimal contact with his family.
Since the U.S. lacks a diplomatic presence in Afghanistan, Qatar has acted as its intermediary, a role Rubio praised as "instrumental" in securing Glezmann’s release.
Glezmann is the third U.S. citizen freed from Taliban custody this year. His release follows that of Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, who were part of a January prisoner exchange brokered by Qatar.
