US-Taliban Prisoner Exchange Finalized After 6 Months of Talks
The Taliban announced Tuesday that a prisoner exchange with the United States had been finalized, resulting in the release of Khan Mohammad, an Afghan national serving a life sentence in the US for drug trafficking and terrorism-related charges. The agreement, mediated by Qatar, also secured the release of two Americans from Taliban custody, identified by Kabul-based sources as Ryan Corbett and William McEntee.
Mohammad, captured by US special forces nearly two decades ago during the US-led invasion of Afghanistan, was convicted in a US federal court for attempting to carry out a rocket attack on American military forces. He had been incarcerated in a California federal prison. Taliban officials, including chief spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, framed the exchange as an example of successful diplomacy, emphasizing that discussions had been ongoing for six months.
“The negotiations were focused on securing the release of American individuals held captive by the Taliban since 2022,” Mujahid said. He also accused US officials of delaying the process due to a lack of commitment to resolving the issue promptly.
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The Taliban described the agreement as a constructive demonstration of resolving disputes through dialogue. The swap comes amid ongoing tensions between the two parties, with Kabul-based sources revealing that the Taliban still holds at least five US citizens.
The prisoner exchange took place against a backdrop of strained relations between the US and the Taliban following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. The group has repeatedly sought the release of individuals they consider high-value, including Muhammad Rahim al Afghani, a close associate of Osama bin Laden who is currently detained at Guantanamo Bay.
Reports suggest that the US has been negotiating for the release of Mahmood Habibi, an Afghan American accused by the Taliban of collaborating with the CIA in the drone strike that killed al-Qaida leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. Habibi’s fate remains unclear, with claims that he may have been handed over to al-Qaida and killed in retaliation for al-Zawahiri’s death. The Taliban denies holding Al-Habibi, which has contributed to delays in broader negotiations.
Mohammad’s release marks a significant development, but concerns persist regarding other American detainees in Afghanistan. In August 2024, the US State Department reported that at least three Americans were in Taliban custody, though the Taliban acknowledged holding only two.
