The United States has made an offer to trade a Guantanamo Bay prisoner for the release of three Americans currently held in Afghanistan. The Americans, Ryan Corbett, George Glezmann, and Mahmoud Habibi, have been detained in Afghanistan, with the Taliban being in discussions with the US regarding their release.
The US proposed trading Muhammad Rahim al Afghani, a purported close associate of Osama bin Laden, for the three Americans. However, the Taliban countered by requesting Rahim and two additional individuals.
The top US hostage envoy, Roger Carstens, recently presented a new offer to the Taliban in Doha, Qatar. The Biden administration has been actively working to secure the release of Americans wrongfully detained abroad, with recent successes in China and Russia.
While the details of the offers have not been confirmed by the US National Security Council, they emphasized the administration's commitment to ensuring the safe return of George, Ryan, and Mahmood. The Biden administration has been engaging with the Taliban in Doha on various issues, including human rights and the detained Americans.
The State Department has expressed deep concern for the well-being of the detained Americans and reiterated that bringing them home remains a top priority for the United States. Both Glezmann and Corbett have been declared wrongfully detained, with the FBI issuing a request for information about Habibi in August 2024.
Family members of the detained Americans have voiced their concerns about their loved ones' deteriorating health and mental well-being, urging for their immediate return home. The Biden administration continues to work towards negotiating the release of Americans held unjustly abroad, with a focus on reuniting them with their families.
