An American citizen detained in Afghanistan since December has been released after Qatari mediation, officials said Sunday.
Amir Amiri is the fifth U.S. citizen freed this year by the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, which returned to power in 2021 following the U.S. withdrawal. Negotiations took months, with Qatar arranging initial talks between Amiri and U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the release, calling it part of efforts to secure Americans held abroad. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said Amiri was traveling through Doha on his way to the United States. Afghan officials thanked Qatar for its role.