US citizen released by Taliban after more than two years in detention

With the mediation of Qatar and the United States, an American citizen who had been detained by the Taliban for more than two years was released yesterday. This release was the result of weeks of negotiations, reflecting the international community's continued attention to the matter. International cooperation and diplomatic efforts are crucial in securing the release of individuals held in challenging circumstances.

The released individual is 66-year-old George Glezmann, a Delta Air Lines mechanic. He traveled to Afghanistan in late 2022, planning to spend five days exploring the country's history and culture. However, he was detained by the Taliban intelligence service on December 5, without ever being charged with any crime or wrongdoing. The reasons behind his detention remained unclear for an extended period.

Despite Glezmann's detention, the Biden administration did not formally declare him wrongfully detained until September 2023, nine months later. According to a [resolution](https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-resolution/753/text) introduced in July by Georgia Democratic Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, Glezmann was held in a "9-foot by 9-foot cell" with other detainees, sometimes in "solitary confinement underground for months." The conditions of his confinement raised serious concerns about human rights and due process.

As of July 2024, Glezmann had not received any consular visits from U.S. State Department personnel. It is understood that he had only seven phone calls with his family, totaling 54 minutes, during his detention, and had limited face-to-face interactions with Qatari representatives. When the resolution was introduced, his health was reportedly deteriorating rapidly during his detention, with reports that he suffered from a facial tumor, high blood pressure, severe malnutrition, and other ailments. His physical and mental well-being were a significant concern during his captivity.

The United States closed its embassy in Afghanistan after the Taliban took over in August 2022 and currently has no diplomatic presence in the country. Qatar represents U.S. interests in Afghanistan, acting as its "protecting power." In a [statement](https://x.com/MofaQatar_EN/status/1902741952212111721) released by the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister of State Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Khulaifi announced that Qatar helped facilitate Glezmann's release. Qatar's role highlights the importance of diplomatic channels in resolving complex international issues.

"The Afghan caretaker government’s response to this process is a gesture of goodwill and reflects its desire to engage in dialogue and communication with the international community," Al-Khulaifi added. "This approach deserves encouragement to build mutual understanding… thereby resolving all outstanding issues." This release could potentially foster improved relations and further cooperation on other matters.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio [said](https://www.state.gov/release-of-george-glezmann/) yesterday that Qatar "has consistently proven to be a reliable partner and a trusted mediator, facilitating complex negotiations." "We extend our deepest appreciation to the State of Qatar, whose steadfast commitment and diplomatic efforts were instrumental in securing George’s release," he said. The US acknowledges and appreciates Qatar's commitment to resolving international conflicts.

Glezmann is the third U.S. citizen to be released from Afghanistan this year, following the release of Ryan Corbett and William McCardle in January through a prisoner exchange. According to a [report](https://www.cnn.com/2025/03/20/asia/us-citizen-george-glezmann-released-taliban-afghanistan-qatar-intl/index.html) by CNN, Glezmann's family said they were "overjoyed, grateful, and relieved." The release brings closure to a difficult chapter for Glezmann and his loved ones, marking a positive outcome in a challenging situation.