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Kabul: The Afghan interim government has officially acknowledged the detention of two American citizens for the first time, according to a spokesperson. Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesman, stated that the Americans were apprehended for violating Afghan laws. While Mujahid mentioned discussions with the U.S. government concerning the detainees, he did not elaborate on the specifics of these negotiations.
Officials in the Biden administration have confirmed that the two Americans are being detained in Afghanistan and are making efforts to secure their release. These individuals are said to have entered Afghanistan after the Taliban seized control of the country.
One of the detained Americans has been identified as Ryan Corbett, as reported by NBC News, citing sources from national security. The identity of the second individual, who entered Afghanistan on a tourist visa has not been disclosed. Ryan Corbett’s family has stated that he has been held in custody for more than 600 days.
Former President Donald Trump previously mentioned during his election campaigns that several Americans remained in Afghanistan after the U.S. withdrawal, effectively held as hostages. However, U.S. officials clarified that the two detained Americans traveled to Afghanistan after August 2021, and other Americans in the country are there voluntarily.
“We have continuously urged, including in our discussions with Taliban representatives, for the immediate and unconditional release of Ryan Corbett and other detained Americans in Afghanistan. These detentions pose a significant obstacle to constructive engagement,” said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
Reports from American media suggest that Ryan Corbett operated a small financial company in Afghanistan and returned to the country in 2022 after leaving in 2021.
