Taliban releases U.S. citizen Amir Amiry from prison in Afghanistan

The Taliban released another U.S. citizen from custody in Afghanistan on Sunday, as the internationally ostracized regime seeks to normalize relations with Washington

The Taliban released another U.S. citizen from custody in Afghanistan on Sunday, as the internationally ostracized regime seeks to normalize relations with Washington.

Amir Amiry had been held in Afghanistan since December 2024, though it is unclear why he was there and why he was detained.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed Amiry’s release, saying it reflected the Trump administration’s determination to protect Americans from wrongful detention abroad.

“We express our sincere gratitude to Qatar, whose strong partnership and tireless diplomatic efforts were vital to securing his release,” he said in a statement Sunday.

The Afghan government also expressed thanks to Qatar, the Gulf state that was also instrumental in securing the release this month of a British couple who had been held by the Taliban for more than seven months.