US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Glezmann’s release in a statement, marking a rare diplomatic breakthrough between Washington and the Taliban.
High-level talks in KabulThursday’s discussions represented the most senior-level direct engagement between the US and the Taliban since President Donald Trump took office in January.
Boehler met with the Taliban’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, to discuss bilateral relations, consular services for Afghans in the US, and the release of prisoners, according to a statement from Afghanistan’s foreign ministry. The meeting was also attended by former US special representative to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad.
Qatar, which represents American diplomatic interests in Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, played a key role in brokering the negotiations, the source said.
“Following weeks of negotiations, a breakthrough was made by the Qataris during recent meetings with the Taliban,” the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Taliban’s ‘goodwill gesture’
Glezmann’s release was described as a “goodwill gesture” by the Taliban and not part of a prisoner exchange, the source added.
Earlier this year, the US had freed an Afghan national convicted on drug smuggling and terrorism charges in exchange for two Americans held in Afghanistan. That deal, which secured the release of Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, was also facilitated by Qatar.
A third American citizen, Mahmood Habibi, is still believed to be in Taliban custody.
Qatar’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Boehler’s expanding diplomatic efforts
Glezmann’s release is the latest in a series of high-stakes diplomatic efforts led by Boehler.
Last month, he played a crucial role in securing the release of American school teacher Marc Fogel from Russia. He has also been involved in negotiations with Palestinian militant group Hamas to free hostages held in Gaza and recently traveled to Iraq in an attempt to secure the release of Israeli-Russian researcher Elizabeth Tsurkov, a Princeton University student.
According to the Foley Foundation, which monitors cases of detained Americans, Glezmann had intermittent phone contact with his wife throughout his captivity. The organization also noted that his health had deteriorated during his detention.
Glezmann is now expected to undergo medical evaluations before reuniting with his family in the US.
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