Photo: Alamy
An American citizen detained in Afghanistan has been released after months of diplomatic talks involving the United States and Qatar, U.S. officials confirmed Sunday.
Amir Amiry, who became a U.S. citizen after serving alongside American forces, was freed through Qatar’s role as Washington’s protecting power in Kabul. His release follows sustained negotiations carried out by Qatari diplomats in coordination with the office of the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs.
Adam Boehler, the special envoy, told Fox News that he had met Amiry briefly six months ago when securing the release of another American, George Glezmann.
“When we went to Kabul to pick up George Glezmann six months ago, I asked to see Amir Amiry. He was brought to the airport gate and when he saw us he started to cry. Leaving an American was the hardest thing that I have ever done in my life and I promised him that we would come back for him,” Boehler said.
“Amir Amiry became a citizen by putting his life at risk fighting for our country and our troops. Today we repay the favor. God bless America and God bless the President,” he added.
Qatari diplomats reportedly maintained close communication with U.S. officials throughout Amiry’s detention and carried out health checks to monitor his condition.
“His release was facilitated by Qatari diplomats in close coordination with the team of the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, through Qatar’s role as the United States’ protecting power in Afghanistan,” the source said.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio celebrated the news on social media.
“Today we welcome home Amir Amiry, an American who was wrongfully detained in Afghanistan. I want to thank Qatar for helping secure his freedom,” Rubio posted on X. “@POTUS has made it clear we will not stop until every American unjustly detained abroad is back home.”
Amiry’s release comes shortly after the Taliban freed an elderly British couple, Barbie and Peter Reynolds, who had been held for eight months. The pair, longtime residents of Afghanistan and founders of an education charity, arrived in Qatar last week after negotiations involving British and Qatari officials.