US Citizen Amir Amiry Released from Taliban Detention After Nine Months

Fri Oct 10 2025 22:25:18 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Amir Amiry, a US citizen, has been released by the Taliban after nine months of detention, thanks to diplomatic negotiations led by Qatar. This marks the fifth American release this year, as efforts to secure the freedom of US citizens continue amidst ongoing challenges.

Amir Amiry, detained in Afghanistan for nine months, has been released following negotiations by Qatari mediators. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed gratitude towards Qatar for their diplomatic efforts. Amiry is en route to the US, being the fifth American released this year, amidst the backdrop of other recent detentions and negotiations.

A US citizen held by the Taliban in Afghanistan for nine months has been released following negotiations led by Qatari mediators, officials say.

The man, identified as Amir Amiry, is the fifth American to be freed from detention in Afghanistan this year. He was on his way back to the US on Sunday.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio thanked Qatar for its tireless diplomatic efforts, which he said were crucial in securing Mr. Amiry's release.

The reason for Mr. Amiry's detention remains unclear. Rubio stated that he had been wrongfully detained.

The secretary of state added that more US citizens remain unjustly detained in Afghanistan and that the Trump administration is working on securing their release.

Qatar's foreign ministry confirmed its facilitation of Mr. Amiry's release, indicating he was on his way to Doha before traveling to the US.

Negotiations began in March, starting with a meeting between Mr. Amiry and US hostage envoy Adam Boehler. A breakthrough leading to Mr. Amiry's release occurred over the weekend.

This recent release follows two Americans freed in a prisoner swap between the US and the Taliban earlier this year, alongside other detentions of Americans while visiting Afghanistan.