Two American citizens held by the Taliban in Afghanistan have been released in a prisoner exchange, officials said Tuesday. The swap involved Khan Mohammed, a Taliban figure sentenced to life in a U.S. prison on drug trafficking and terrorism charges, who was freed in return for the Americans.
The exchange comes during a power transition in the U.S. as President Joe Biden handed over leadership to Donald Trump. The Taliban hailed the deal as a step toward normalizing ties with the U.S., although international recognition of their rule remains elusive.
The Taliban’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the exchange, noting that the two Americans, whose identities were not disclosed, were freed in return for Mohammed. Ryan Corbett, one of the Americans, was later identified by his family in a statement, expressing gratitude for his release after being detained by the Taliban for over two years.
“Our hearts are filled with gratitude and praise to God for bringing Ryan back home,” the family said, thanking both Presidents Trump and Biden for their roles in securing his release. They also credited Qatar for its vital role in mediating the exchange.
Qatari officials declined to discuss the specifics of the deal but reaffirmed their commitment to facilitating such negotiations.
The second American was identified by U.S. officials as William McKenty, though details about his case remain sparse.
Khan Mohammed, 55, was convicted in 2008 on charges of drug trafficking and assisting terrorism. He was the first person convicted under U.S. narco-terrorism laws. The Taliban celebrated his return with a public welcome in Nangarhar province, where he expressed joy at reuniting with his family and “Muslim brothers.”
Photos released by the Taliban showed Mohammed adorned with garlands upon his return.
The Biden administration had been working to secure the release of additional Americans believed to be held by the Taliban, including George Glezmann and Mahmood Habibi. Both men disappeared in Afghanistan under unclear circumstances.
Habibi’s family welcomed the latest exchange but urged the Trump administration to intensify efforts to bring him home.
“We know Trump is about results, and we have faith he will use every tool available to get Mahmood home,” said Habibi’s brother, Ahmed.
The Taliban characterized the exchange as a positive step toward improving relations with the U.S.
“The Islamic Emirate views such actions as opportunities for normalization and development of ties between the two countries,” the Taliban said in a statement.
However, the group remains internationally isolated, with billions in assets frozen and widespread condemnation of its restrictive policies, particularly regarding women’s rights.
