**U.S. Seeks Negotiations for Release of Hostages in Afghanistan**

American officials are engaged in discussions surrounding the release of several citizens held in Afghanistan.

U.S. officials have recently initiated renewed efforts to secure the release of Americans detained in Afghanistan, revealing ongoing discussions with the Taliban. Sources familiar with the negotiations have indicated that the White House may be considering a prisoner exchange involving Muhammad Rahim, an Afghan detainee held at Guantánamo Bay since 2008. While the U.S. government claims that Rahim had senior ties to Al Qaeda, some analysts question these assertions, suggesting he was involved mainly as a translator and courier, thus posing little risk if released.

The Taliban have confirmed they are holding two Americans. One, George Glezmann, was an airline mechanic visiting Afghanistan when he was captured in December 2022. The other, Ryan Corbett, was on a business trip after having lived in Afghanistan for several years prior to the U.S.-backed government's collapse, and was taken hostage in August 2022. Furthermore, the Taliban have remained tight-lipped regarding a third American, Mahmood Habibi, whose return is also sought by U.S. authorities. Habibi, a naturalized citizen, was kidnapped shortly after a significant U.S. drone strike in 2022 that eliminated Al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahri.

Family members of Habibi reported that he was apprehended alongside 30 colleagues working for the American firm Asia Consultancy Group, under suspicion tied to the aforementioned drone strike. The U.S. government has withheld details about Habibi's involvement and current status, leaving many questions unanswered regarding the circumstances of his capture and wellbeing.