Afghanistan Times
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KABU; – In a high-profile prisoner swap, the Taliban released two American detainees, including Ryan Corbett, in exchange for Khan Mohammed, a Taliban figure serving a life sentence in California for drug trafficking and terrorism charges. The exchange was confirmed Tuesday by officials speaking to The Associated Press.
Ryan Corbett’s family expressed gratitude for his release after 894 days in captivity. Corbett, abducted by the Taliban in August 2022, was deemed by the U.S. government to be wrongfully detained. His family also thanked former President Joe Biden, newly inaugurated President Donald Trump, and Qatar for facilitating the deal.
The second American freed was identified as William McKenty, though details about him remain scarce. The Taliban hailed the exchange as a step toward “normalization” of U.S.-Afghan relations, though most nations still do not recognize the Taliban’s government.
The release comes amid ongoing efforts to secure freedom for other Americans held in Afghanistan. Families of George Glezmann and Mahmood Habibi, still in Taliban custody, voiced hope for continued diplomatic efforts under the Trump administration.
