U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller reiterated the government's commitment to securing the release of three American citizens detained in Afghanistan by the Taliban since 2022, Reuters reproted.
"This weekend, August 10, marks two years since Mahmood Habibi and Ryan Corbett were captured in separate incidents. They have been separated from their families for two years," Miller said at a press conference.
Miller expressed deep concern for the welfare of Habibi, Corbett, and George Glezmann, who have been held by the Taliban under troubling circumstances.
"We raise their detentions in every engagement we have with the Taliban," he added, emphasizing that securing their release remains a "top priority" for the Biden administration.
The U.S. has successfully negotiated the release of 50 Americans from unjust detention worldwide in the past three and a half years.
Corbett and Habibi were detained on August 10, 2022, following the Taliban's takeover of Kabul. Habibi, an employee of a U.S.-based communications company, was arrested without charge and has been unable to contact his family or U.S. diplomats.
Corbett, who had worked in Afghanistan for over a decade with various NGOs, was also detained under unclear circumstances. Glezmann, a tourist, was arrested on December 5, 2022, and his health has significantly deteriorated since his detention, according to the James Foley Foundation.
The U.S. State Department has designated Corbett and Glezmann as "wrongfully detained," which increases government resources toward their cases. Although Habibi has not received this designation, Miller assured that efforts are ongoing to secure his release as well.
"We are working overtime to try to get him released," Miller confirmed.
In June, the U.N. Special Rapporteur on torture highlighted the urgent need for medical care for Corbett to prevent further health deterioration. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently met with Corbett's wife, Anna, to discuss the case.
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