Washington, DC [US], September 29 (ANI): US citizen Amir Amiry, who had been “wrongfully detained” in Afghanistan, has been released and returned to the United States, the State Department announced Sunday.
In a statement, the State Department celebrated Amiry’s homecoming and credited Qatar for playing a key role in securing his release. “Today, thanks to President Trump’s leadership and commitment to the American people, the United States welcomes home US citizen Amir Amiry, who was wrongfully detained in Afghanistan,” the statement said. It added, “We express our sincere gratitude to Qatar, whose strong partnership and tireless diplomatic efforts were vital to securing his release.”
The statement emphasised that this case “reflects this Administration’s determination, reinforced by the President’s recent Executive Order, to protect US nationals from wrongful detention abroad.” It also noted that while Amiry’s return is a step forward, “additional Americans remain unjustly detained in Afghanistan.”
“President Trump will not rest until all our captive citizens are back home. This release today is a significant step by the administration in Kabul to effect that goal,” the State Department said.
Amiry, 36, had been held by the Taliban since December 2024. He is the latest American to be freed through US security and diplomatic cooperation with Qatar, a Gulf state with longstanding ties to Washington. CNN reported that the US has no diplomatic presence in Afghanistan following the closure of its embassy after the Taliban’s takeover in August 2022. Details about why Amiry was in Afghanistan or the reasons for his detention remain unclear.
Qatari Minister of State Mohammed Al-Khulaifi said in a statement that Qatar “remains committed to advancing mediation efforts aimed at achieving peaceful solutions to conflicts and complex international issues.”
Sources say at least three other Americans remain detained in Afghanistan, along with Paul Overby, who is believed to be deceased. Officials expressed hope that Amiry’s release could be the first of more to follow.
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