RASC News Agency: Matthew Miller, the spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State, asserted in his latest statements that American authorities have consistently demanded the unconditional release of the country’s citizens held in captivity by the Taliban. Miller articulated these assertions during a press briefing on Wednesday night, February 28th, emphasizing that the detention of American citizens by the Taliban remains a significant obstacle to constructive engagement between Washington and the group.
The precise number of American prisoners under Taliban control in Afghanistan remains unclear, although the acknowledgment of some incarcerations without statistical validation from the Taliban persists. In August 2022, Ryan Corbett, an American citizen in Afghanistan, was detained by the Taliban, with the specifics of his arrest still undisclosed. Regarding the fate of these detainees, the U.S. Department of State spokesperson stated: “The U.S. government consistently emphasized in its meetings with Taliban representatives the urgent and unconditional release of detained Americans in Afghanistan.”
Meanwhile, despite over two years of Taliban rule in the country, no nation has formally recognized the group due to what is cited as their failure to adhere to their commitments. Nonetheless, a few countries maintain positive interactions with the Taliban.
