George Glezmann, an American citizen who had been detained in Afghanistan for over two years, was released on Thursday and is now on his way to the United States. The 66-year-old Delta Airlines mechanic was freed after extensive negotiations led by Qatari and U.S. mediators. Glezmann had been held since December 2022, after traveling to Afghanistan for a short trip to explore the country’s culture and history. The U.S. government declared him wrongfully detained in September 2023.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed Glezmann’s release, saying, “Today, after two and a half years of captivity in Afghanistan, George Glezmann is on his way to be reunited with his wife, Aleksandra.” The release came after weeks of intense negotiations, with Qatar playing a significant role in facilitating the talks with the Taliban.
Glezmann’s family expressed relief and gratitude for his release. His wife, Aleksandra, communicated with him, and they were “overjoyed and grateful” for his return. U.S. officials, including hostage envoy Adam Boehler and former Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, were involved in the negotiations and accompanied Glezmann on his journey back home.
Glezmann had endured harsh conditions during his detention, with limited contact with his family and minimal consular visits. His case had drawn attention, with U.S. lawmakers advocating for his release, citing his poor health during captivity.
This release marks the third American citizen freed from Afghanistan in 2024, following Ryan Corbett and William McKenty’s release in a prisoner swap earlier this year.