Glezmann was abducted while traveling through Afghanistan as a tourist in December 2022. His release was brokered by US and Qatari negotiatorsGeorge Glezmann, an airline mechanic from Atlanta, was abducted by the Taliban’s intelligence services while traveling through Afghanistan as a tourist in December 2022.

“George’s release is a positive and constructive step,” said Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “President [Donald] Trump will continue his tireless work to free ALL Americans unjustly detained around the world.”

A source close to the deal told the Reuters news agency that that Glezmann left Afghanistan on a Qatari aircraft on Thursday evening bound for Doha, accompanied by US hostage envoy Adam Boehler. From there, he is expected to travel onwards to the United States.

Rubio thanked Qatar for its “steadfast commitment and diplomatic efforts” which he said were “instrumental in securing George’s release