Biden Vows Action to Free Americans Detained by Taliban

President Joe Biden assured families of three Americans detained in Afghanistan since 2022 that his administration remains committed to securing their release. The White House confirmed ongoing negotiations with the Taliban, which have been active since July. The detainees—Ryan Corbett, George Glezmann, and Mahmood Habibi—are part of a proposed exchange for Guantanamo Bay prisoner Muhammad Rahim al-Afghani, an alleged al-Qaeda facilitator.

Corbett and Habibi were arrested in separate incidents in August 2022, a year after the Taliban regained control of Kabul during the chaotic U.S. troop withdrawal. Glezmann was detained later that year while traveling as a tourist. While the Taliban denies holding Habibi, they countered the U.S. proposal by demanding Rahim’s release along with two others in exchange for Corbett and Glezmann.

Biden reportedly reassured Habibi’s family during a call, stating he would not trade Rahim unless the Taliban released all three detainees. Ahmad Habibi, Mahmood's brother, expressed gratitude for Biden’s firm stance.

Rahim, detained since 2007, was transferred to Guantanamo Bay in 2008 after interrogation by the CIA at secret facilities. A Senate report labeled him an “al-Qaeda facilitator.” Last week, the Biden administration transferred 11 Guantanamo detainees to Oman, reducing the facility’s population in efforts to close it before Biden’s term ends.

The White House emphasized Biden’s track record in bringing over 75 wrongfully detained Americans home, including from Iran, China, and Russia. The administration pledged to continue working tirelessly for the safe return of detained Americans abroad.

This case underscores Biden’s efforts to navigate complex international negotiations while prioritizing the safety of U.S. citizens detained overseas.