2 Americans released in exchange for Taliban prisoner

Two Americans have been released in a prisoner swap between the United States and the Taliban in Afghanistan. This exchange involved a Taliban figure imprisoned for life in California, officials confirmed on Tuesday.

Ryan Corbett, one of the Americans freed in this deal, is now on his way back home to the U.S. after being held captive for over two years. His family expressed immense gratitude and credited God for bringing him back safely. They also thanked President Trump, former President Biden, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and other government officials for their efforts in securing Corbett’s release.

Corbett was abducted on August 10, 2022, upon his return to Afghanistan, where he resided with his family during the collapse of the U.S.-backed government. He had traveled to Afghanistan on a valid 12-month visa for business purposes, aiming to support the country’s private sector through consulting services and financial assistance.

The Corbett family also acknowledged the crucial role played by Qatar in facilitating the negotiations between the U.S. and the Taliban, as well as for their assistance in visiting Ryan while he was detained in Afghanistan.

In exchange for the release of the two Americans, the Taliban swapped Khan Mohammed, who had been serving two life sentences in California since 2008 for drug trafficking and terrorism charges. Mohammed, described by the Justice Department as a violent jihadist and narcotics trafficker, was captured in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province while attempting to harm U.S. soldiers using rockets.

The prisoner exchange took place shortly after President Trump assumed office, following the tumultuous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan under former President Biden’s administration in 2021. The Taliban commended the negotiations with the U.S. as a positive example of conflict resolution through dialogue, emphasizing the importance of fostering better relations between the two nations.

This development underscores the significance of diplomatic efforts in resolving complex international issues, showcasing the potential for peaceful resolutions through dialogue and negotiation.

The information provided in this article is based on reports from officials and news sources, with contributions from The Associated Press. It highlights the importance of diplomatic interventions in securing the release of individuals held captive in challenging circumstances.