After nine months in Taliban custody, an American has finally been freed.
But how did it happen — and why was he there in the first place?
U.S. officials confirmed on Sunday that Amir Amiry, a U.S. citizen detained in Afghanistan since late last year, was released.
This came after delicate negotiations spearheaded by Qatar.
He’s now en route to the U.S., making him the fifth American freed from Taliban detention this year.
“Qatar’s tireless diplomatic efforts were crucial,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, while reiterating that “other U.S. citizens remain unjustly detained.”
The Taliban have not said why they were holding Amiry.
Negotiations reportedly began in March, when U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler met with Amiry under Qatari supervision.
Qatari Mediation Wins Release
A breakthrough came this weekend, leading to his release, sources told CBS News.
This isn’t an isolated case.In January, two Americans were freed in a prisoner swap.
The swap sent Taliban figure Khan Mohammad — serving a life sentence in California — back to Afghanistan.
Others, like George Glezmann and British couple Peter and Barbie Reynolds, have also been freed through similar Qatari mediation.
The episode underscores a hard truth: even as U.S. troops have left Afghanistan, Americans on the ground still face unpredictable risks.
Freedom often hinges on quiet, high-stakes diplomacy.
