Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – More American hostages are being held in Afghanistan than previously disclosed by Afghan authorities, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested on Saturday. In a post on social media platform X, Rubio stated, “Just hearing the Taliban is holding more American hostages than has been reported,” raising fresh concerns about the safety of U.S. citizens in the country.
The revelation adds to growing fears about the situation in Afghanistan, particularly after the U.S. withdrawal in August 2021, which left several American nationals stranded. While the U.S. government has previously stated that most Americans were evacuated or accounted for, Rubio’s remarks suggest that more individuals may remain in Taliban custody.
The issue of hostages highlights the broader security and diplomatic challenges in Afghanistan since the Taliban took power. Reports have surfaced of the group targeting activists, journalists, and individuals associated with the former Afghan government, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
Many foreign nationals, including Americans, were caught in Afghanistan during the chaotic final months of the U.S. presence. While some managed to evacuate, others found themselves stranded under a regime unwilling to cooperate fully with international efforts to secure their release.
The U.S. government and international organizations continue to pursue efforts to ensure the safe return of hostages and address the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. Unconfirmed reports suggest informal talks are underway to negotiate the release of detained American citizens. However, the Taliban’s limited engagement with the international community and their refusal to uphold basic human rights obligations have made such efforts exceedingly difficult.
As concerns mount over additional hostages, the international community is closely monitoring the situation in Afghanistan. While the U.S. has yet to confirm the exact number of Americans being held, Rubio’s comments shed light on the lingering risks faced by foreign nationals in the region.
