George Glezmann, a 65-year-old American from Atlanta, has been released by the Taliban after more than two years in captivity. Glezmann, an airline mechanic and avid traveler, was detained in December 2022 while visiting Kabul as a tourist.
The release was secured through negotiations led by the Trump administration, with significant assistance from Qatari officials. Adam Boehler, President Trump’s envoy, met with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, in Doha to finalize the agreement. Unlike previous exchanges, this deal did not involve the release of Taliban prisoners from U.S. custody.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed gratitude towards Qatar for their pivotal role in facilitating Glezmann’s release. This event marks the third release of an American by the Taliban since January, reflecting ongoing efforts to normalize relations between the United States and Afghanistan, although formal recognition of the Taliban government by most countries has yet to occur.
Glezmann is currently en route back to the United States, accompanied by Adam Boehler. His family has expressed profound relief and appreciation for the efforts that led to his freedom. The U.S. government continues to work towards securing the release of other Americans still detained in Afghanistan.
