In a significant development that could mark a new chapter in international relations, the Taliban-led Afghan government announced on Tuesday a successful prisoner exchange with the United States, facilitated by Qatar.
According to a statement from the Afghan Foreign Ministry, an Afghan fighter named Khan Mohammad, who had been imprisoned in the U.S. for nearly two decades, has been released and returned to Afghanistan. Mohammad had been serving a life sentence following his arrest during the early years of the U.S. involvement in Afghanistan.
“An Afghan fighter Khan Mohammad imprisoned in America has been released in exchange for American citizens and returned to the country,” the statement said. The exact number and identities of the American detainees released in exchange have not been disclosed.
The Afghan Foreign Ministry praised Qatar’s mediating role in facilitating the prisoner swap. The ministry also expressed appreciation for the efforts made by the United States, emphasizing that such steps could pave the way for normalizing relations between the two countries.
This exchange comes at a time when Afghanistan is navigating its relationship with the international community following the Taliban’s return to power. The gesture of a prisoner swap may signal a willingness on both sides to engage in dialogue and address longstanding issues.
The successful mediation by Qatar highlights the country’s growing role as a diplomatic intermediary in regional conflicts. Observers are watching closely to see if this development will lead to further cooperation between the United States and Afghanistan.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
