Family of Detained US-Afghan Citizen Mahmoud Habibi Demands Release After Dennis Keil Freed from Taliban Custody

The family of Mahmoud Habibi, a US-Afghan citizen detained in Afghanistan since August 10, 2022, welcomed the release of American Dennis Keil from Taliban custody and called for Habibi's immediate freedom.

In a statement issued through Global Reach, a non-profit organization advocating for US citizens detained abroad, the family expressed joy over Keil's release but highlighted ongoing concerns about Habibi. Ahmad Habibi, Mahmoud's brother, said: "We are grateful for hearing the news of Dennis's release and hope my brother will soon return home."

Ahmad Habibi stated that the US government has evidence showing the Taliban's General Directorate of Intelligence detained his brother, adding that the Taliban's denial of the detention complicates Afghanistan's access to foreign aid.

He noted that senior officials from the Donald Trump administration, including Sebastian Gorka, have assured the family they will work for Mahmoud Habibi's release.

Eric Lebsom, senior strategy director at Global Reach, described Keil's release as "a step in the right direction" but emphasized that all detained US citizens in Afghanistan, including Habibi, must be freed. Lebsom referenced the US government's designation of Taliban-ruled Afghanistan as a "state sponsor of unlawful detentions," which he said could restrict Taliban travel and access to international support.

The statement also cited Sebastian Gorka's February 12 remarks quoting former President Donald Trump: "The Taliban must stop hostage-taking, or they will face consequences."

Global Reach has been working with the Habibi family since his detention.