American Airline Mechanic Freed from Taliban Captivity After Two Years

DOHA, Qatar — An American airline mechanic, George Glezmann, has been freed by the Taliban after spending over two years in captivity in Afghanistan. Glezmann, who was detained in December 2022 while visiting as a tourist, arrived in Qatar on Thursday evening, en route to reunite with his wife, Aleksandra.

The U.S. State Department confirmed Glezmann’s release was facilitated by a deal brokered with Qatar’s assistance. This marked the highest-level direct talks between U.S. officials and the Taliban since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. Secretary of State Marco Rubio praised Qatar’s role, calling it ‘instrumental’ in securing the release.

In a statement, Rubio described Glezmann as a 65-year-old Delta Air Lines mechanic who embarked on a five-day trip to explore Afghanistan’s cultural landscape. The Taliban’s foreign ministry characterized Glezmann’s release as a ‘goodwill gesture’ made on ‘humanitarian grounds.’

During a meeting with U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler, the Taliban confirmed Glezmann’s initial detention and indicated that his release was part of their ongoing engagement with the United States. Following his release, Glezmann exhibited signs of ‘significantly deteriorated health’ which requires immediate medical attention, as reported by the James Foley Foundation, which follows U.S. hostage cases.

President Trump has remarked that Glezmann’s liberation is a ‘positive and constructive step’ while also reminding the public that other Americans remain detained in Afghanistan, including Mahmood Habibi, who disappeared in August 2022. According to multiple sources, Glezmann was held in harsh conditions, including solitary confinement.

Rubio expressed gratitude during a press briefing, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by other U.S. citizens in Taliban custody. ‘This is a reminder that other Americans are still detained in Afghanistan,’ he said, stressing the need for continued diplomatic efforts for their release.

In regards to the details of the negotiations, it was emphasized that Glezmann’s release did not involve a prisoner exchange, a departure from previous arrangements where U.S. detainees were exchanged for Taliban figures in custody.

Previously, the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry had announced that it is committed to constructive dialogue and mutual respect in its relations with the United States, as they seek to normalize ties following international isolation since their return to power in Afghanistan.

Glezmann is expected to receive immediate medical care upon his return to the U.S. with family and friends awaiting to support him on his road to recovery. Upon his release, he stated that he was eager to reunite with his loved ones after two long years of uncertainty.

Reactions from the international community highlighted the importance of Glezmann’s release for diplomacy between the U.S. and the Taliban, with many viewing it as a potential opening for future negotiations.