KABUL: Taliban authorities in Afghanistan held talks with US representatives regarding a potential prisoner exchange involving two American citizens held in Afghanistan and Afghan detainees in Guantanamo Bay, Taliban government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference in Kabul, Mujahid confirmed the presence of two American prisoners in Afghanistan, although he did not disclose their identities. One of the persons in custody is reportedly an American woman, part of a group of NGO workers detained by Taliban forces in September last year. Furthermore, aid worker Ryan Corbett has been held since 2022.
“We should be able to free our citizens in exchange, as American citizens are important for them (the United States), just as Afghans are important for us,” Mujahid stated, referring to the ongoing negotiations discussed during United Nations-led talks held recently in Qatar.
The United Nations-led talks held in Qatar concluded on Monday and involved representatives from the UN, Taliban authorities, and special envoys to Afghanistan.
“Discussions on a prisoner exchange have been ongoing with US representatives,” Mujahid informed the media. He emphasized that conditions set by Afghanistan must be accepted for progress.
Highlighting the case of Afghan detainees in Guantanamo Bay, Mujahid expressed that the Taliban had previously engaged in talks with the United States regarding their release. He underscored the importance of reciprocal actions in facilitating the exchange.
The detention of foreigners, particularly by Taliban authorities since their resurgence to power in August 2021, has raised international concerns. The Taliban’s handling of detainees, including foreign aid workers and NGO personnel, has drawn scrutiny from human rights organizations and diplomatic circles alike.
Many countries, including the United States, warn against citizens traveling to Afghanistan, citing risks of wrongful detention, violence and kidnapping.
At least one Afghan prisoner remains in detention at Guantanamo Bay, Muhammad Rahim, whose family called for his release in November.
In February, two former prisoners held in Guantanamo Bay until 2017 were welcomed home to Afghanistan, more than 20 years after they were arrested.
Abdul Karim and Abdul Zahir had been transferred to Oman and held under house arrest until their release. They were among hundreds of suspected militants captured by US forces and held in Guantanamo Bay.
US authorities faced accusations of torture and abuse against prisoners at the facility, where many were held without charge or the legal power to challenge their detention. Most of the military prison’s inmates have been released over the years, including senior Taliban leaders.
The US government has said for years it is working to reduce the number of detainees and eventually shut down Guantanamo Bay, which lies on the island of Cuba but is under US jurisdiction.
