CNN, citing a U.S. official, reported that the role of Zalmay Khalilzad, the former U.S. special envoy for Afghanistan peace, in the release of Denis Coyle, was limited and carried out at the request of the Taliban.
According to the report, the Taliban, after contacting U.S. officials informed Khalilzad of their decision to release the American citizen. Khalilzad—who, it was emphasized, is no longer a U.S. government employee—then traveled to Kabul to take custody of Coyle.
CNN added that the Taliban had inquired with the U.S. officials about the possible consequences of Afghanistan being placed on the list of “state sponsors of wrongful detention.” The group subsequently concluded that releasing Coyle would be in its interest.
U.S. officials say that at least two American citizens are being held in Afghanistan: Mahmood Shah Habibi and Paul Overby. They stressed that Afghanistan will remain on the list until the two individuals are released.
It is worth noting that the Taliban on Tuesday released American researcher Denis Coyle, who had been held by the group for one year.
Marco Rubio said in a statement: “While this action by the Taliban is a positive step, more must be done. We continue to call for the immediate return of Mahmood Habibi, Paul Overby, and all other Americans unjustly detained.”
