Secretary of State Marco Rubio introduced in a press release Sunday the discharge of U.S. citizen Amir Amiry, who had been thought of wrongfully detained in Afghanistan.
That is the fifth launch of an American citizen from detention in Afghanistan this yr. Amiry’s case was not beforehand identified to the general public.
In his assertion, Rubio thanked and credited President Donald Trump for his management and dedication, and he additionally gave credit score to Qatar for serving to to safe Amiry’s launch.
“At this time, because of President Trump’s management and dedication to the American individuals, the United States welcomes dwelling U.S. citizen Amir Amiry who was wrongfully detained in Afghanistan. We specific our honest gratitude to Qatar, whose sturdy partnership and tireless diplomatic efforts had been very important to securing his launch,” Rubio stated in his assertion.
On this picture launched by Qatar’s Overseas Ministry, U.S. citizen Amir Amiri, left, poses subsequent to an unidentified girl, aboard a aircraft in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Sept. 28, 2025, after being launched from an Afghan jail. With him, from proper, are a Qatari diplomat, Sebastian Gorka, deputy assistant to President Donald Trump, and U.S. particular envoy for hostage response Adam Boehler.
AP
Rubio stated there are nonetheless different People “unjustly detained” in Afghanistan and Trump “will not relaxation” till they’re returned dwelling.
Officers on the State Division have stated they hope an govt order signed by Trump earlier this yr will deter nations from wrongfully detaining Americans and that it’ll assist to safe the discharge of wrongfully detained People overseas. The EO enhances efforts to guard U.S. nationals from wrongful detention overseas by authorizing sturdy responses towards overseas governments participating in such practices.
Particular envoy for hostage response Adam Boehler traveled to Kabul to personally oversee Amiry’s launch and to verify all went in accordance with plan, in accordance with an administration official.
The official notes that Amiry was an American citizen and had acquired a particular immigrant visa (SIV), which is a U.S. immigration program for Iraqis and Afghans who labored for the U.S. authorities or army to turn into everlasting residents. Examples of SIV holders embody translators and interpreters. Particulars of Amiry’s employment weren’t offered.
The diplomatic talks and negotiations resulting in Amiry’s launch was a joint U.S.-Qatari effort. This was not a prisoner change and the U.S. didn’t give something to the Taliban in change for Amiry’s protected return, a U.S. official stated.
Amiry’s launch and Boehler’s go to to the area comes one week after Trump urged the Taliban to present again management of Bagram Air Base to the US, threatening “unhealthy issues” would occur to Afghanistan if it doesn’t.
