Freed American Citizen Amir Amiri Arrives in Qatar After Release from Taliban Custody

Amir Amiri, a U.S. citizen detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan since December last year, has been released through Qatari mediation and is now en route back to the United States.

According to Al Jazeera, Amiri is the fifth American freed from Taliban custody since the group’s takeover in August 2021 following the withdrawal of international forces. During this period, the Taliban have detained several foreign nationals under vague charges and held them for extended periods.

Diplomatic sources said Qatar played a central role in the negotiations. A meeting in Doha between Amiri and Adam Boehler, the U.S. special envoy for hostage affairs, paved the way for the final agreement that secured his release.

Speaking to Al Jazeera after his transfer to Doha, Amiri described the moment of his release as “unbelievable” and expressed gratitude for the efforts of U.S. officials. “When I reached the airport and saw the Qatari officers, I couldn’t believe it. All the U.S. officials worked so hard to free us. I’m truly happy,” he said.

The arbitrary detention of foreign citizens has drawn widespread international criticism of the Taliban. Human rights organizations have repeatedly urged the group to stop using foreign nationals as political bargaining tools and to end unlawful detentions.