U.S. and Qatar secure release of American detained in Afghanistan
Amir Amiri, an American detained in Afghanistan in December 2024, was released Sept. 28, 2025 after coordinated efforts between Qatari diplomats and U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler. Qatar — acting as the U.S. protecting power in Afghanistan — negotiated with Afghan authorities and conducted regular health checks during his nine‑month detention, Boehler described an emotional meeting at the Kabul airport gate, and Sen. Marco Rubio publicly thanked Qatar on X for its role.
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📰 Sources (2)
US and Qatar secure release of American citizen Amir Amiry from Afghanistan detention
New information:
- Direct on‑the‑record quotes from U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler describing an emotional encounter at the Kabul airport gate and his role in the effort.
- Specific operational detail that Qatari diplomats performed regular health checks during detention and facilitated the release as the U.S. protecting power in Afghanistan.
- Public acknowledgment from Secretary of State Marco Rubio (X post) thanking Qatar and celebrating the release.
American citizen released by Taliban 9 months after arrest in Afghanistan
New information:
- Amir Amiri was detained in Afghanistan in December 2024 and held for nine months.
- Release date reported: Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025; Qatari diplomats coordinated with the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs (Adam Boehler).
- Qatar began negotiating in March 2025 and maintained communication with U.S. officials; prior related cases include a January prisoner swap (Ryan Corbett ↔ Khan Mohammed) and other American releases in March.