US Official Expresses Concern Over Detention of American Citizens in Afghanistan
The US Chargé d’Affaires for Afghanistan in Qatar has expressed concern over the continued detention of several American citizens in Afghanistan, describing their situation as “regrettable.” He emphasized that diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue must continue.
The US official stated that the detainees’ issue remains a central topic in talks between Washington and Kabul. According to him, securing the release of detained US citizens is a top priority for the United States in its dealings with the Taliban administration.
Meanwhile, Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Taliban administration, announced that discussions with US officials are ongoing and expressed hope that the matter will be resolved through peaceful means. However, the Taliban administration has yet to provide clear details regarding the legal status and detention conditions of these individuals—an issue that has consistently drawn criticism from human rights organizations.
The cases of detained American citizens have been a part of the tense interactions between both sides over recent years, with previous negotiations occasionally resulting in the release of some detainees. This pattern shows that the detention issue remains a leverage point in relations between the US and the Taliban administration.
In September 2025, the United States established a framework allowing for sanctions against entities or parties that unlawfully detain American citizens. This move indicates that the detention matter is not solely a humanitarian concern but also a component of Washington’s official policy toward Afghanistan.
The ongoing situation highlights the importance of detainee-related negotiations in US-Afghanistan relations and suggests that resolving these cases could significantly influence the future course of bilateral interactions.
