George Glezmann, an American mechanic and tourist, has been released after being held by the Taliban since December 2022, marking a significant diplomatic effort involving Qatari mediation, as Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizes ongoing concerns for other detained Americans.
Taliban Releases American Tourist After Over Two Years in Detention
Taliban Releases American Tourist After Over Two Years in Detention
American George Glezmann, detained since 2022 while visiting Afghanistan, is freed with assistance from Qatar.
On March 20, 2025, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the release of George Glezmann, an American tourist held captive by the Taliban in Afghanistan since December 2022. Glezmann, originally from Atlanta and employed as a mechanic with Delta Air Lines, was designated a wrongful detainee by the U.S. State Department.
Glezmann was able to return home aboard a Qatari aircraft from Kabul to Doha, thanks to Qatar's ongoing diplomatic relations with the Taliban, which have facilitated negotiations in the past. Rubio expressed gratitude towards the Qatari government for its involvement in securing Glezmann's release.
The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021, shortly after President Biden implemented a troop withdrawal initially negotiated by the Trump administration. Despite the absence of formal diplomatic relations, the U.S. continues to monitor the situation closely, as the Taliban attempts to legitimize its rule and normalize ties with Washington.
Rubio's statement highlighted the bittersweet nature of Glezmann's freedom, pointing out that several other Americans remain imprisoned in Afghanistan. The State Department is actively pursuing the release of six American detainees and seeking the remains of one citizen. While these individuals have not been formally classified as wrongfully detained, there are indications they face unjust circumstances.
Among the detainees, Mahmood Shah Habibi, an Afghan American businessman and telecommunications worker, has drawn particular concern from officials since his abduction from Kabul in August 2022. The Biden administration previously facilitated the release of two other Americans, Ryan Corbett and William Wallace McKenty, through a prisoner swap that also saw the release of Taliban member Khan Mohammed.
As ongoing negotiations continue, the plight of American citizens still detained in Afghanistan remains an important focus for U.S. officials, illustrating the complex and intricate nature of foreign relations in the region.
