The Taliban released American George Glezmann after holding him in Afghanistan for more than two years. The United States secured the deal with the help of Qatari officials, the State Department announced.
“Today, after two and a half years of captivity in Afghanistan, Delta Airlines mechanic George Glezmann is on his way to be reunited with his wife, Aleksandra,” Secretarty of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. “George joins American Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, who were released from Afghanistan on the night of President Trump’s inauguration and returned home to their families.”
“We extend our deepest appreciation to the State of Qatar, [whose] steadfast commitment and diplomatic efforts were instrumental in securing George’s release,” Rubio continued. “Qatar has consistently proven to be a reliable partner and trusted mediator, facilitating complex negotiations.”
Rubio said Glezmann’s release is a “positive and constructive step.”
“It is also a reminder that other Americans are still detained in Afghanistan,” he said. “President Trump will continue his tireless work to free ALL Americans unjustly detained around the world.”
Glezmann was abducted while visiting Kabul as a tourist in 2022.
Earlier this year, two Americans were released by the Taliban in a deal arranged under the final days of the Biden administration. At the time, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty were exchanged for Khan Mohammad, an individual sentenced to two life terms in 2008 after being convicted under narco-terrorism laws.
In a statement on X, Rubio reiterated that Glezmann is “free.”
“George was wrongfully detained in Afghanistan for two and a half years, but now he’s on his way to be reunited with his wife Aleksandra,” he wrote. “Welcome home, George!”
