The Trump administration announced on March 17, 2025, that it has successfully secured the release of George Glezmann, a 66-year-old American citizen held captive by the Taliban since December 2022. Glezmann, a Delta Airlines mechanic from Atlanta, Georgia, was visiting Kabul as a tourist when he was detained without cause. His release comes after two and a half years of captivity.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the news, stating that Glezmann is now on his way to reunite with his wife, Aleksandra. Rubio highlighted that Glezmann’s health had deteriorated significantly during his time in detention and that he has medical needs that require immediate attention.
Glezmann’s release is part of a broader effort to bring home Americans unjustly detained abroad. Rubio noted that Qatar played a crucial role in facilitating this release, which occurred nearly a year and a half after President Biden’s controversial withdrawal from Afghanistan.
Former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, also commented on the situation. He mentioned that the Taliban’s decision to release Glezmann was a goodwill gesture towards President Trump and the American people. Khalilzad praised Trump’s commitment to prioritizing the freedom of Americans held in foreign countries.
Glezmann’s case serves as a reminder that there are still other Americans detained in Afghanistan, and the administration is committed to working for their release as well.