Taliban react to US decision: No foreign citizen detained 'for bargaining'

The Taliban Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed regret over the United States' recent decision to designate Afghanistan as a "country supporting unjust detentions," stating that no citizens of any country have been detained as a "bargaining tool."

According to the ministry's statement, some individuals were detained on charges of "violating enforceable laws," and many have been released normally after completing legal processes. The Taliban noted that over the past year, it has taken positive steps out of goodwill regarding cases of detained US citizens. The statement highlighted ongoing discussions at various levels between the Taliban government and the United States, facilitated by Qatar, during which both sides made commitments for positive actions. The Taliban expressed a desire to resolve the issue appropriately through current dialogues and "constructive engagement."

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the Taliban use "intimidation tactics" and detain individuals for ransom or political leverage, warning that such approaches will not work under the Trump administration and demanding the immediate release of US hostages. Adam Boehler, the US special envoy for hostages, warned the Taliban that after Venezuela and Iran, Afghanistan is next. Rubio specifically called for the release of detained US citizens including Mahmoud Habibi and Dennis Coil, a 64-year-old linguist and researcher.

The Taliban denies detaining Mahmoud Habibi, former head of Afghanistan's civil aviation authority. Both sources confirm prior releases of US detainees by the Taliban following negotiations. Ariana News reported that the designation could lead to restrictions on US passport use for travel to Afghanistan, currently applied only to North Korea.

US Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman also warned that the Taliban have used US money to fund "terror campaigns," imposed strict Sharia laws, and detained Americans including Dennis Coil and Mahmoud Habibi.