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George Glezmann Returns to U.S. After Taliban Release

The American airline mechanic was freed following negotiations involving Qatar, marking the third U.S. detainee released by the Taliban this year.

George Glezmann, shown here in an undated file photo, was held in Afghanistan for more than two years.
U.S. citizen George Glezmann stands at Kabul airport, following his release from Afghan custody, with U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler, former U.S. special representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and Qatari diplomats, before departing for Doha, Qatar, in Kabul, Afghanistan March 20, 2025. Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Handout via REUTERS
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Overview

  • George Glezmann, a U.S. citizen detained by the Taliban for over two years, has been released and reunited with his family.
  • The release, facilitated by Qatar, was described as a goodwill gesture by the Taliban and did not involve a prisoner exchange.
  • Glezmann, who was wrongfully detained in December 2022 while visiting Afghanistan as a tourist, suffered significant health issues during his captivity.
  • This marks the third release of an American detainee by the Taliban in 2025, highlighting ongoing U.S.-Taliban engagement despite strained relations.
  • Other Americans, including Afghan-American businessman Mahmood Habibi, are still believed to be detained in Afghanistan.