US swaps Taliban prisoner for US detainees Ryan Corbett and William Wallace McKenty

Two Americans detained by the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan have been exchanged for an Afghan who is in prison in the United States on charges of drug trafficking and terrorism.

The news came after the release of Ryan Corbett and William Wallace McKenty. Khan Mohmmad, an Afghan, was serving a life sentence in a federal prison in California on charges of drug trafficking and terrorism.

A statement from the Taliban government in Kabul announced the deal, which was finalized before the end of President Joe Biden’s term.

Mr Corbett’s release was confirmed by his family. US media, citing official sources, identified Mr McKenty as the second American.

The agreement – which is said to be the end of two years of negotiations – was made before Joe Biden handed over power to Donald Trump on Monday.

“An Afghan fighter, Khan Mohammed, who is imprisoned in the United States, has been released in exchange for American citizens and returned to the country,” the Taliban’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

Ryan Corbett’s family thanked both administrations and Qatar for their vital role.

“Today, our hearts are filled with gratitude and praise to God for sustaining Ryan’s life and bringing him home after the most difficult and uncertain 894 days of our lives,” the family said.

Mr Corbett lived in Afghanistan for many years with his family and was arrested by the Taliban when he returned on a business trip more than two years ago.

Few details are available about Mr McKenty, whose family have asked for privacy.

Khan Mohammad was a member of the Taliban taken captive in Afghanistan during the US military engagement. was Imprisoned in 2008. Joe Biden commuted his sentence before leaving office.

The Taliban said it was the result of “long and fruitful negotiations” with the US and “a good example of solving problems through dialogue”.

“The Islamic Emirates positively views the actions of the United States of America that contribute to the normalization and development of relations between the two countries,” he said.

Since the Taliban took power in 2021, no government has formally recognized them.

While the move will not change relations between Kabul and Washington, there may be further negotiations. two other Americans are still in AfghanistanThey are believed to be George Glezmann and Mahmood Habibi.

The Taliban are also demanding the release of an Afghan who is one of the few remaining prisoners at the US detention center at Guantanamo Bay.

In a speech in Washington on the eve of the inauguration, President Trump threatened to cut humanitarian aid to Afghanistan unless the Taliban return military equipment seized after the US withdrawal in 2021.

a usa A 2022 Defense Department report estimated that $7 billion in military equipment was left behind In Afghanistan, after the withdrawal of US forces.