An American airline mechanic, George Glezmann, who had been detained by the Taliban for more than two years, has been released. Glezmann, a 65-year-old Delta Air Lines employee, was captured in December 2022 while visiting Afghanistan as a tourist. His release came after high-level negotiations between the U.S. and Taliban officials in Kabul.
The release was confirmed after a meeting between the Taliban’s Foreign Minister and U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler, along with other American diplomats. The Taliban stated that Glezmann’s release was made “on humanitarian grounds” and as a “goodwill gesture.” U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the agreement a “positive and constructive step” in improving relations.
Glezmann was flown from Kabul to Qatar before making his way back to the United States. His freedom comes after the involvement of Qatar, which played a key role in facilitating the release. While in detention, Glezmann reportedly had limited contact with his wife, Aleksandra, and faced significant health problems that required immediate medical attention.
This release marks the highest level of direct talks between the U.S. and the Taliban since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The U.S. officials involved in the discussions included former U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, alongside Boehler.
Secretary Rubio also reminded the public that, despite Glezmann’s release, other Americans remain imprisoned in Afghanistan. One of these individuals is believed to be Mahmood Habibi, who was detained in August 2022.
While the agreement was a step forward, it also highlighted the ongoing concerns regarding the fate of other Americans still in captivity.