An American citizen who was abducted while traveling in Afghanistan over two years ago has been released by the Taliban in a diplomatic deal facilitated by Qatari negotiators and the Trump administration, the U.S. State Department confirmed it on Thursday.
American Mechanic Freed in Diplomatic Deal
Photo Credit: www.freemalaysiatoday.com https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
George Glezmann, a 66-year-old airline mechanic from Atlanta, became the third American detainee to be freed by the Taliban since January. He was taken by the Taliban’s intelligence services in December 2022 while visiting Afghanistan as a tourist. The U.S. government later designated him as wrongfully detained.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Glezmann’s release in a statement, confirming that he was en route back to the United States, where he would be reunited with his wife, Aleksandra. Rubio expressed gratitude to Qatar for its “steadfast commitment and diplomatic efforts,” calling them “instrumental in securing George’s release.”
“George’s release is a positive and constructive step,” Rubio stated. “It is also a reminder that other Americans are still detained in Afghanistan. President Trump will continue his tireless work to free ALL Americans unjustly detained around the world.”
Glezmann was being accompanied home via Doha, Qatar, by Adam Boehler, a senior U.S. official who has been overseeing hostage affairs for the Trump administration. Earlier on Thursday, the Taliban disclosed that Boehler had met with an Afghan delegation, including Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Glezmann, a well-traveled explorer who has visited over 100 countries, was in Afghanistan purely for tourism when he was abducted. His passion for experiencing different cultures was documented in a profile by the Foley Foundation, an organization that advocates for Americans detained overseas.
@Defence_PK99 (Defence Pakistan) https://x.com/Defence_PK99/status/1902745519140544603
“#BREAKING: The Afghan Taliban have released American citizen George Glezmann and demand that the United States resume the 40 million dollars in weekly aid, which was suspended by US President Donald Trump upon taking office.”
