Prisoner Swap Highlights U.S.-Afghan Tensions 

United States: The United States released an Afghan drug-trafficking terrorist named Khan Mohammad to secure the freedom of two U.S. citizens held in Afghanistan. Afghan national Khan Mohammad received his release following his complete sentence under U.S. narcoterrorism laws and returned to Kabul, as reported by Reuters. 

Americans Freed After Taliban Captivity 

Ryan Corbett and William McKenty were the two Americans released as part of the exchange. Corbett, who had been held by the Taliban since 2022, was identified by his family as one of the freed captives. His family expressed their joy, stating they were “overwhelmed with joy that Ryan is on his way home.” McKenty’s family, while requesting privacy, confirmed his release as well. 

Diplomatic Efforts and Qatar’s Role 

Afghan foreign officials released a statement supporting the U.S.-Afghan diplomatic talks and thanked the U.S. for its contributions to building better ties between nations. Qatar served as a vital enabler for talks to progress. 

Background of the Released Individuals 

A U.S. court sentenced Khan Mohammad to life in prison after he pleaded guilty to terrorism and drug offenses in 2001. The violent jihadist leader Mohammad used drugs as his business while plotting attacks against U.S. military forces in Afghanistan. Police took Corbett into custody after he finished his Afghanistan visa processing duties and the McKenty family wants to protect his private information. 

Two Americans Still in Taliban Custody 

While this exchange brings hope, two other American citizens, George Glezmann and Mahmood Habibi, remain in Taliban custody. Glezmann, a former airline mechanic, and Habibi, a naturalized U.S. citizen, were detained after the U.S. killed al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. The Corbett family expressed gratitude to both the Trump and Biden administrations for the successful exchange and called for the continued efforts to secure the release of Glezmann and Habibi, as reported by Reuters. 

This release marks a critical moment in U.S.-Afghan relations, showcasing the ongoing complexities of diplomatic negotiations and the importance of securing the freedom of detained citizens.