Three More U.S. Citizens Confirmed Detained in Afghanistan

According to a new CNN report, in addition to American writer Paul Edwin Overby Jr., who disappeared years ago, at least three other U.S. citizens remain in Taliban custody. The United States, citing the recent release of U.S. citizen Amir Amiri, expressed hope that his freedom could mark the beginning of a process to secure the release of other Americans still held in Afghanistan.

Overby, an American author, vanished in 2014 while traveling near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. He was last seen in Khost, reportedly conducting field research for a book about the region. His fate has remained unknown since.

CNN reported that in the recent deal securing Amiri’s release, the Taliban received no direct or tangible concessions, which some analysts view as a possible opening for future negotiations on prisoner exchanges or additional releases.

Ahmad Shah Habibi, brother of detained U.S. citizen Mahmood Shah Habibi, expressed relief at Amiri’s release but voiced deep concern over his brother’s fate. He said Mahmood has been in Taliban custody since August 2022, has had no contact with his wife, and his family has no information about his condition.

Reports suggest Mahmood Shah Habibi’s arrest may be linked to suspicions about his possible connection to the 2022 U.S. drone strike in Kabul that killed al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. The Taliban, however, have officially denied holding him and claimed ignorance of his whereabouts.

Official figures show that five U.S. citizens have so far been freed from Taliban detention. Meanwhile, the U.S. Secretary of State has stressed that President Donald Trump remains committed to securing the release of Americans detained by the Taliban and elsewhere around the world.