Rubio Threatens Taliban Leaders with Bounties Over Reports of Additional U.S. Hostages

The U.S. Secretary of State warned of unprecedented measures if claims of undisclosed American hostages in Taliban custody are confirmed.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested placing substantial bounties on Taliban leaders, potentially exceeding the one for Osama bin Laden, following reports of additional American hostages in Afghanistan.
The Taliban recently released two American detainees, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, in exchange for convicted narco-terrorist Khan Mohammed, but at least two other Americans remain in custody.
Rubio's statement comes as the Taliban denies holding Mahmood Habibi, one of the Americans believed to be detained, despite U.S. Senate resolutions calling for his release.
The Taliban ambassador warned against threats, emphasizing a preference for dialogue, while highlighting Qatar's mediation role in securing recent prisoner releases.
The U.S. government continues to negotiate for the release of hostages as tensions rise over the Taliban's demands for the release of a Guantanamo Bay detainee.