Taliban Announces Exchange of Afghan Prisoner for Two American Citizens

According to Taliban officials in Afghanistan, an Afghan prisoner held by the U.S. was released on Tuesday, January 22, in exchange for the freedom of two American citizens. Reuters reports that Afghan officials did not disclose the identity or exact number of the released American citizens. However, Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban government spokesman, confirmed that two Americans have been freed but refrained from providing details about them. According to CNN and The New York Times, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, two American citizens, were released on Tuesday morning and are on their way back to their country. They were exchanged for Khan Mohammad, a Taliban member who was convicted of drug trafficking in 2007. Two other American citizens, George Glassman, a former airline mechanic, and Mahmoud Habibi, a naturalized American citizen, remain captive in Afghanistan. The New York Times reported that Habibi was captured following a U.S. attack that resulted in the death of Ayman al-Zawahiri, the leader of al-Qaeda. This prisoner exchange is said to have been finalized after several years of negotiations during the final hours of former Democratic President Joe Biden's administration, just before the transfer of power to Republican President Donald Trump. The New York Times also highlighted Qatar's role in the negotiations and logistical support for the execution of this exchange. Reuters: Flight 1660 of eligible Afghans to the U.S. was canceled by Trump's order. Biden spoke with the families of Americans imprisoned in Afghanistan. A report from Republican members of Congress blamed the Biden administration for the 'chaotic withdrawal' from Afghanistan.