A US citizen held by the Taliban in Afghanistan for nine months has been released following negotiations led by Qatari mediators, officials report.
The individual, 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, although Rubio described it as a case of wrongful detention.
Rubio added that more US citizens remain unjustly detained in Afghanistan and highlighted ongoing efforts for their release.
Qatar's foreign ministry confirmed that it had facilitated Mr. Amiry's release and noted he was en route to Doha before returning to the US.
Negotiations for Mr. Amiry's release began in March, when Qatari officials arranged a meeting between him and US hostages envoy Adam Boehler. A breakthrough was reported this weekend, leading to his release.
This release follows two previous detentions resolved in January through a prisoner swap involving the Taliban, which included the release of Khan Mohammad, a Taliban figure, by the US.
Other Americans, including George Glezmann and a British couple, have also been released in recent months, showcasing the ongoing negotiation efforts surrounding detained citizens in the region.
