The Taliban has released 65-year-old American George Glezmann after more than two years in captivity following direct negotiations between Trump administration officials and Afghan authorities, diplomatic sources confirmed Thursday.
Glezmann, who was abducted while visiting Kabul as a tourist on December 5, 2022, departed Afghanistan Wednesday evening local time en route to Doha, Qatar, where he was met by U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler and Qatari officials who helped broker the deal.
“George Glezmann is free. George was wrongfully detained in Afghanistan for two and a half years, but now he’s on his way to be reunited with his wife Aleksandra,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on social media. “Welcome home, George!”
The breakthrough came after Boehler, along with former U.S. envoy to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, held direct talks with Taliban officials alongside Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesman and senior adviser to the prime minister, Majed Al Ansari. The group met with Afghanistan foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to finalize Glezmann’s release.
A diplomatic source told Fox News that Glezmann’s freedom was granted as a “goodwill gesture” by the Taliban, signaling “trust” in Qatar’s continued role as intermediary between Washington and Kabul. Unlike previous hostage releases, no prisoner exchange was involved.
“President Trump has made the freedom and homecoming of Americans held abroad a high priority,” Khalilzad posted on X. “It is an honor to assist in this important effort.”
Glezmann’s wife Aleksandra expressed gratitude to the Trump administration, saying, “I can’t wait to see George and help him on his road to recovery as we rebuild our lives.”
“Since the first day of the Trump administration his team has focused on securing George’s safe release. The skill and dedication demonstrated by Secretary Rubio, Mr. Waltz, and Mr. Boehler has been refreshing,” she added. “It is clear to us that their dedication to the American people is unwavering.”
The State Department issued a statement praising Qatar’s help.
“We extend our deepest appreciation to the State of Qatar, who’s steadfast commitment and diplomatic efforts were instrumental in securing George’s release. Qatar has consistently proven to be a reliable partner and trusted mediator, facilitating complex negotiations.”
Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-G.A., also celebrated the news, stating, “I’m beyond thrilled that George Glezmann is returning home to Georgia. My best wishes go out to George and his wife Aleksandra, who I’ve gotten to know well over the past two trying and difficult years.”
Qatar has maintained diplomatic relations with Afghanistan since the Taliban takeover in August 2021, while the United States has not. The State Department had officially declared Glezmann “wrongfully detained” in late 2023, which directed more federal resources toward his case, though he remained in captivity until now.
Glezmann’s release differs from that of two other Americans — Ryan Corbett and William McKenty — who were freed by the Taliban in January only after the Biden administration freed a Taliban terrorist in U.S. custody.
At least one American citizen, Mahmood Habibi, is still believed to be held by the Taliban, though the group denies having him in custody. Former Secretary of State Antony Blinken testified before Congress in 2023 that at least 175 Americans remained stranded in Afghanistan, though he didn’t specify how many were being wrongfully detained.
The State Department emphasized that “George’s release is a positive and constructive step. It is also a reminder that other Americans are still detained in Afghanistan. President Trump will continue his tireless work to free ALL Americans unjustly detained worldwide.”