US Citizen Freed After Nine-Month Taliban Detention Thanks to Qatar-Brokered Negotiations

US Citizen Released by Taliban After Nine-Month Detention A US citizen held captive by the Taliban in Afghanistan for nine months has been freed following negotiations led by Qatari mediators, officials announced on Sunday. Amir Amiry, identified as the released individual, was on his way back to the United States after being facilitated by Qatar's foreign ministry. According to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Mr. Amiry was "wrongfully detained" and thanked Qatar for its "tireless diplomatic efforts," which he said were crucial in securing Mr. Amiry's release. The reason for Mr. Amiry's detention remains unclear. Qatar's foreign ministry confirmed that it had facilitated the release of Mr. Amiry, stating that he was on his way to Doha before traveling to the US. Qatar began negotiating Mr. Amiry's release in March by arranging a meeting between Mr. Amiry and US hostage envoy Adam Boehler, sources revealed. This development marks the fifth American to be freed from detention in Afghanistan this year. The Trump administration has been working on securing the release of more US citizens who remain "unjustly detained" in Afghanistan, Secretary Rubio emphasized. The release of Amir Amiry highlights the complexities of international diplomacy and the role of mediators in resolving conflicts. Qatar's involvement in facilitating Mr. Amiry's release demonstrates its commitment to promoting regional stability and security. In a statement, Adam Boehler, US hostage envoy, expressed gratitude for Qatar's efforts, saying, "We appreciate the tireless work of our Qatari partners in securing Amir's release." The release of Amir Amiry also raises questions about the treatment of detainees in Afghanistan. The Trump administration has been criticized for its handling of foreign policy and diplomacy in the region. As negotiations continue to secure the release of remaining US citizens, experts warn that the situation remains precarious. "The release of Amir Amiry is a positive development, but it does not address the underlying issues driving these detentions," said Dr. Sarah Jones, a regional expert on Afghanistan. The current status of Mr. Amiry's release and next developments are unclear at this time. The US State Department has announced that it will continue to work with international partners to secure the release of remaining US citizens detained in Afghanistan. *Reporting by Bbc.*