An American citizen detained in Afghanistan for more than two years has been freed and is now on his way back to the United States, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. George Glezmann, a 66-year-old Delta Airlines mechanic, was released on Thursday following weeks of negotiations led by US and Qatari mediators.
“Today, after two and a half years of captivity in Afghanistan, Delta Airlines mechanic George Glezmann is on his way to be reunited with his wife, Aleksandra,” Rubio announced in a statement. A U.S. official confirmed that no prisoners were exchanged for his release.
A source familiar with the negotiations revealed that discussions had been ongoing for weeks, with a key breakthrough facilitated by Qatar during a recent meeting with the Taliban. US hostage envoy Adam Boehler played a crucial role in the efforts, working closely with Qatari counterparts to secure Glezmann’s freedom.
Boehler and former US Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad were in Kabul and accompanied Glezmann on his journey back to the United States. Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry released photographs of the two meeting with Taliban officials.
Khalilzad confirmed Glezmann’s release on X, stating, “Today is a good day. We succeeded in obtaining the release of an American citizen, George Glezmann, after two years in detention in Kabul.”
He added that the Taliban agreed to release Glezmann as a “goodwill gesture” to the American government and its people.
According to attorney Dennis Fitzpatrick, Glezmann has already spoken with his wife. “They are overjoyed and grateful. And relieved,” he told CNN.
Glezmann was detained in December 2022, about 16 months after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. The US officially declared him wrongfully detained in September 2023.
Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, who had advocated for Glezmann’s release, stated that he had originally traveled to Afghanistan for a short visit to explore the country’s history and culture. The two Georgia lawmakers detailed the harsh conditions he faced, including extended periods of solitary confinement and limited contact with his family—only seven phone calls totaling 54 minutes in the span of nearly two years.
Due to the absence of a US diplomatic presence in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover in 2022, Qatar has acted as the US’s intermediary in the region. Rubio acknowledged Qatar’s role in securing Glezmann’s release, emphasizing their importance as a diplomatic partner.
“We extend our deepest appreciation to the State of Qatar,” Rubio stated. “Their diplomatic efforts were instrumental in securing George’s release.”
“Today, after two and a half years of captivity in Afghanistan, Delta Airlines mechanic George Glezmann is on his way to be reunited with his wife, Aleksandra,” Rubio announced in a statement. A U.S. official confirmed that no prisoners were exchanged for his release.
A source familiar with the negotiations revealed that discussions had been ongoing for weeks, with a key breakthrough facilitated by Qatar during a recent meeting with the Taliban. US hostage envoy Adam Boehler played a crucial role in the efforts, working closely with Qatari counterparts to secure Glezmann’s freedom.
Boehler and former US Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad were in Kabul and accompanied Glezmann on his journey back to the United States. Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry released photographs of the two meeting with Taliban officials.
Khalilzad confirmed Glezmann’s release on X, stating, “Today is a good day. We succeeded in obtaining the release of an American citizen, George Glezmann, after two years in detention in Kabul.”
He added that the Taliban agreed to release Glezmann as a “goodwill gesture” to the American government and its people.
According to attorney Dennis Fitzpatrick, Glezmann has already spoken with his wife. “They are overjoyed and grateful. And relieved,” he told CNN.
Glezmann was detained in December 2022, about 16 months after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan. The US officially declared him wrongfully detained in September 2023.
Senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, who had advocated for Glezmann’s release, stated that he had originally traveled to Afghanistan for a short visit to explore the country’s history and culture. The two Georgia lawmakers detailed the harsh conditions he faced, including extended periods of solitary confinement and limited contact with his family—only seven phone calls totaling 54 minutes in the span of nearly two years.
Due to the absence of a US diplomatic presence in Afghanistan following the Taliban’s takeover in 2022, Qatar has acted as the US’s intermediary in the region. Rubio acknowledged Qatar’s role in securing Glezmann’s release, emphasizing their importance as a diplomatic partner.
“We extend our deepest appreciation to the State of Qatar,” Rubio stated. “Their diplomatic efforts were instrumental in securing George’s release.”
