Two Americans who were held captive by the Taliban in Afghanistan have been exchanged for an Afghan prisoner serving a life sentence in the United States for drug trafficking and terrorism.
Ryan Corbett was the first American whose family confirmed had been freed. US media, quoting official sources, identified William Wallace McKenty as the second American, BBC News reports. Khan Mohmmad was identified as the Afghan released back to his home country.
The Taliban foreign ministry announced the agreement in a statement: "An Afghan fighter Khan Mohammed imprisoned in America has been released in exchange for American citizens and returned to the country."
The deal had been in the works for two years and was agreed upon by all parties just before President Donald Trump took office in the US on Monday.
Corbett's family thanked both administrations including Qatar which they said played a vital role in the deal. "Today, our hearts are filled with overwhelming gratitude and praise to God for sustaining Ryan's life and bringing him back home after what has been the most challenging and uncertain 894 days of our lives," they said.
Corbett was detained over two years ago during a business trip to Afghanistan, where he had previously lived with his family for many years. McKenty's family has asked for privacy and little details are known surrounding his case.
The Taliban said the exchange was the result of "long and fruitful negotiations" with the US and "a good example of resolving issues through dialogue."
"The Islamic Emirate looks positively at the actions of the United States of America that help the normalisation and development of relations between the two countries," it added.
Ryan Corbett was the first American whose family confirmed had been freed. US media, quoting official sources, identified William Wallace McKenty as the second American, BBC News reports. Khan Mohmmad was identified as the Afghan released back to his home country.
The Taliban foreign ministry announced the agreement in a statement: "An Afghan fighter Khan Mohammed imprisoned in America has been released in exchange for American citizens and returned to the country."
The deal had been in the works for two years and was agreed upon by all parties just before President Donald Trump took office in the US on Monday.
Corbett's family thanked both administrations including Qatar which they said played a vital role in the deal. "Today, our hearts are filled with overwhelming gratitude and praise to God for sustaining Ryan's life and bringing him back home after what has been the most challenging and uncertain 894 days of our lives," they said.
Corbett was detained over two years ago during a business trip to Afghanistan, where he had previously lived with his family for many years. McKenty's family has asked for privacy and little details are known surrounding his case.
The Taliban said the exchange was the result of "long and fruitful negotiations" with the US and "a good example of resolving issues through dialogue."
"The Islamic Emirate looks positively at the actions of the United States of America that help the normalisation and development of relations between the two countries," it added.
