
In a significant diplomatic move, two Americans have been freed from Taliban custody in Afghanistan as part of a prisoner exchange.
Quick Takes
- Two Americans, including Ryan Corbett, were released in exchange for Taliban figure Khan Mohammed.
- Corbett was detained in August 2022 during a business trip to Afghanistan.
- Qatar played a crucial role in facilitating negotiations between the U.S. and Taliban.
- The Taliban views the exchange as a positive step towards normalizing relations with the U.S.
- Families of other detained Americans express hope for their release.
Details of the Prisoner Swap
The United States and Afghanistan’s Taliban government have engaged in a prisoner exchange that resulted in the release of two American citizens. One of the freed Americans has been identified as Ryan Corbett, who was detained by the Taliban in August 2022 while on a business trip in Afghanistan. The second American, William McKenty, was also released, though details about his detention remain scarce.
In exchange for the Americans’ freedom, the U.S. released Khan Mohammed, a Taliban figure who had been serving a life sentence in California on drug trafficking and terrorism charges since 2008. The swap took place after what the Taliban described as “long and fruitful negotiations,” facilitated in large part by Qatar, which hosted talks between U.S. and Taliban representatives.
The Trump White House is celebrating the release of two Americans freed in a swap with the Taliban brokered by President Joe Biden's administration.https://t.co/19VyV6nIuj
— The Associated Press (@AP) January 21, 2025
Reaction from Families and Officials
The Corbett family expressed immense relief and gratitude following Ryan’s release. In a statement, they said:
“Today, our hearts are filled with overwhelming gratitude and praise to God for sustaining Ryan’s life and bringing him back home after what has been the most challenging and uncertain 894 days of our lives.” https://www.foxnews.com/politics/2-americans-released-exchange-taliban-prisoner
The family also extended their thanks to both President Trump and former President Biden, as well as other officials involved in securing Corbett’s release. They specifically acknowledged Qatar’s crucial role in the negotiations and its status as the United States’ Protecting Power in Afghanistan.
The Taliban is viewing the swap as a potential step towards improved relations between the United States and the Taliban-controlled Afghanistan. The Taliban issued a statement indicating their positive outlook on the swap:
“The Islamic Emirate looks positively at the actions of the United States of America that help the normalization and development of relations between the two countries.”
The Taliban, facing economic challenges since their takeover of Afghanistan, are seeking international recognition. This exchange could be seen as part of their efforts to engage with the international community and potentially alleviate some of the economic pressures they face.
Ongoing Concerns and Future Prospects
Despite the release of Corbett and McKenty, concerns remain about other Americans still detained in Afghanistan. The families of George Glezmann and Mahmood Habibi have expressed both hope and frustration regarding efforts to secure their loved ones’ release. White House National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes has also stated that the U.S. government will continue pushing for the release of other Americans held by the Taliban.
The situation remains complex, with ongoing U.S. bounties on some Taliban figures, including Sirajuddin Haqqani. However, some countries, like the United Arab Emirates, have begun engaging with Taliban officials, indicating a shifting landscape in international relations with Afghanistan. As negotiations continue, the fate of remaining detainees and the future of U.S.-Taliban relations remain uncertain.
Sources
- 2 Americans released in exchange for Taliban prisoner
- Taliban says 2 Americans freed in prisoner swap with U.S., and Ryan Corbett’s family says he’s one of them
- White House cheers release of two Americans freed in a swap with Taliban brokered by Biden, Qatar