Additional Coverage:
American Citizen Freed from Afghan Detention Following Diplomatic Efforts
An American citizen, Amir Amiry, has been released from detention in Afghanistan after months of intensive negotiations led jointly by the United States and Qatar. The release was confirmed Sunday, marking a significant diplomatic breakthrough.
U.S. Special Envoy Adam Boehler played a crucial role in the efforts, recounting a previous encounter with Amiry.
“When we went to Kabul to pick up George Glezmann six months ago, I asked to see Amir Amiry. He was brought to the airport gate and when he saw us he started to cry.
Leaving an American was the hardest thing that I have ever done in my life and I promised him that we would come back for him,” Boehler stated. He further emphasized Amiry’s service, noting, “Amir Amiry became a citizen by putting his life at risk fighting for our country and our troops.
Today we repay the favor.”
Diplomatic sources indicated that throughout Mr. Amiry’s detention, Qatari officials maintained close communication with U.S. counterparts, conducting regular health checks to ensure his well-being.
Qatar, acting as the United States’ protecting power in Afghanistan, was instrumental in facilitating the release through close coordination with the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the successful outcome, publicly thanking Qatar on Sunday. “Today we welcome home Amir Amiry, an American who was wrongfully detained in Afghanistan. I want to thank Qatar for helping secure his freedom,” Rubio posted, adding, “The President has made it clear we will not stop until every American unjustly detained abroad is back home.”
Amiry’s release follows closely on the heels of another high-profile case just last week, when an elderly British couple, Barbie and Peter Reynolds, were freed after eight months in captivity in Afghanistan. The couple, aged 76 and 80 respectively, also arrived in Qatar after negotiations involving Qatar, Britain, and the Taliban. The Reynolds, who had lived in Afghanistan for 18 years and operated an education charity, expressed a desire to return despite their ordeal, noting they are also Afghan citizens.