In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, American citizen George Glezmann has been released by the Taliban after two and a half years in captivity. His release marks the first time U.S. officials have engaged in direct talks with Afghanistan’s de facto authorities within the country since the Taliban regained control in 2021.
Glezmann, who was detained by the Taliban in December 2022, was declared wrongfully detained by the U.S. government in September 2023. His freedom came after a high-level meeting in Kabul between Adam Boehler, U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Hostage Affairs, and Amir Khan Muttaqi, Afghanistan’s de facto foreign minister. The Taliban stated that Glezmann’s release was made on humanitarian grounds and as a gesture of goodwill toward the United States.
Former U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, who was part of the delegation, took to social media platform X to announce the development. He emphasized that the Taliban agreed to release Glezmann as a goodwill gesture to President Trump and the American people.
In a statement, Afghanistan’s de facto authorities highlighted the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving disputes. They expressed their commitment to engaging with all parties, particularly the United States, on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests. The Taliban also extended gratitude to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates for their role in facilitating Glezmann’s release.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio posted on X, “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. Welcome home, George!”
The announcement has been met with relief and celebration, particularly from Glezmann’s family and supporters, who have long advocated for his freedom. As Glezmann returns home to reunite with his wife, the U.S. government continues to emphasize its commitment to securing the release of all wrongfully detained Americans abroad.
The UN's International Maritime Organization has paused escort operations through the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo ship was reportedly attacked near...
Uzbekistan’s use of green energy sources has accounted for more than 45 per cent of its electricity generation as of on 24 June, marking a significa...
At least 235 people have been confirmed dead one day after two powerful earthquakes struck Venezuela. Hundreds of people are believed to be trapped un...
ANEWZ can exclusively report that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to visit Azerbaijan on 1 July....
Another busy day is underway at the FIFA World Cup as Ivory Coast reached the knockouts for the first time. Ecuador stunned Germany, the Netherlands t...
A Taliban ban on smartphones for civil servants has raised fresh concerns over access to information in Afghanistan, with rights groups warning it could further isolate government employees and tighten the authorities' control over public life.
The European Union and Taliban officials held talks in Brussels on Tuesday on consular services and the situation of Afghans whose asylum applications have been rejected in Europe.
Belgium has issued 24-hour visas to a Taliban delegation attending European Union migration talks in Brussels, as EU member states explore ways to return some Afghans convicted of serious crimes or considered security threats.
The European Union is set to host Taliban officials in Brussels for talks on migration, marking the first known visit by the group to an EU meeting since it returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021.
Russia has called for clarification on whether U.S. President Donald Trump has changed his position on the war in Ukraine following remarks made at the recent G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains.
As Western Europe battles a deadly heatwave that has shattered temperature records, disrupted transport and power supplies, and forced the closure of schools and cultural landmarks, attention is turning to whether El Niño is playing a role in the extreme conditions.
An earthquake of magnitude 6.9 struck Japan's northeast coast on Thursday, but no tsunami warning was issued, no injuries were immediately reported and no irregularities were found at nuclear facilities, the authorities said.
Israel's defence minister said on Wednesday Israeli troops will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, highlighting a hurdle to Iran-U.S. peace talks, as the top U.S. diplomat tours the Middle East to win over allies sceptical about a proposed deal.
The U.S. Senate rejected a resolution on Wednesday that would have directed President Donald Trump to remove U.S. forces from hostilities against Iran unless Congress formally authorised military action.
Uzbekistan’s use of green energy sources has accounted for more than 45 per cent of its electricity generation as of on 24 June, marking a significant milestone in the country’s transition to cleaner energy.
ANEWZ can exclusively report that European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is expected to visit Azerbaijan on 1 July.
The UN's International Maritime Organization has paused escort operations through the Strait of Hormuz after a cargo ship was reportedly attacked near Oman, with two U.S. officials accusing Iran of the attack.
As diplomacy helps ease tensions in the Middle East, Pakistan and Iran are seeking to turn that momentum into closer security cooperation along one of South Asia's most sensitive borders.
Mohammed Aydah, a correspondent for Saudi-owned broadcaster Al Arabiya, was killed after a bomb attached to his car exploded in eastern Yemen, the network said on Thursday.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment