American Citizen George Glezmann Freed After Over Two Years in Taliban Captivity
After spending more than two years detained by the Taliban, George Glezmann, a 66-year-old American citizen, has finally been released. The long-awaited homecoming marks the third U.S. hostage freed from Afghanistan since President Trump returned to office.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio Confirms Release
Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Glezmann’s release in an official statement, emphasizing that the Delta Airlines mechanic was now on his way back to reunite with his wife, Aleksandra.
“Today, after two and a half years of captivity in Afghanistan, Delta Airlines mechanic George Glezmann is on his way to be reunited with his wife, Aleksandra,” Rubio stated.
No Prisoner Swap, No Concessions
Unlike past hostage negotiations, a U.S. official confirmed to CNN that no Taliban prisoners were released in exchange for Glezmann. Instead, Qatar played a key role in brokering the deal during recent high-level discussions with Taliban leaders.
Sources reveal that U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler was actively engaged with Qatari intermediaries to secure Glezmann’s freedom.
Former Ambassador Zalmay Khalilzad on Glezmann’s Return
Former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, who played a pivotal role in the negotiations, expressed gratitude on X (formerly Twitter):
“Today is a good day. We succeeded in obtaining the release of an American citizen, George Glezmann, after two years in detention in Kabul. The Taliban government agreed to free him as a goodwill gesture to @POTUS and the American people. George is on his way home to his family.”
Khalilzad also credited President Trump’s commitment to securing the release of Americans held overseas:
“@realDonaldTrump has made the freedom and homecoming of Americans held abroad a high priority. It is an honor to assist in this important effort.”
The Third U.S. Hostage Released Since Trump’s Return
Glezmann’s release follows the January repatriation of two other U.S. citizens, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, who were freed as part of a prisoner exchange.
With Trump back in the White House, the administration has made it clear that bringing home Americans held abroad is a top priority.
This marks another significant foreign policy victory as the administration reasserts America’s strength on the world stage and ensures American citizens are not left behind.
