Kabul: Former U.S. envoy for Afghan peace, Zalmay Khalilzad, has announced that an American woman detained by the Taliban for two months has been released.
In a post on social media platform X, Khalilzad stated that Fay Hall, an American citizen, is now under Qatari supervision and is expected to return to the U.S. soon. He also shared a photo of Hall with Qatari officials.
The Taliban government has not officially disclosed the reason for Hall’s detention. However, reports suggest that she was arrested for using a drone without permission.
Her release comes just ten days after another American citizen, George Gulesman, who had been imprisoned by the Taliban for two years, was also freed.
According to Afghanistan's Ministry of Interior, Fay Hall, originally of Chinese descent, was detained in February while visiting a British couple in Bamyan province. The British couple, Peter and Barbie Reynolds, were also arrested along with their Afghan interpreter.
There is no official word yet on their release, but the couple’s daughter had previously expressed concern about their well-being.
Earlier, Zalmay Khalilzad, alongside U.S. presidential adviser on detainees, Adam Boehler, visited Kabul to engage in negotiations with Taliban officials. Following these discussions, Khalilzad announced that George Gulesman had been freed as a goodwill gesture by the Taliban government.
Hall and Gulesman are among several Americans who have been released from Taliban custody this year. In January, two other U.S. citizens, Ryan Corbett and William Wallace McKenty, were released in exchange for an Afghan detainee named Khan Mohammad.
As of now, no country has officially recognized the Taliban government. However, countries like Russia, China, Iran, Turkey and others continue to maintain their embassies in Kabul. Qatar has also kept diplomatic channels open and has played a key role in negotiations for the release of American hostages.
Earlier this year, after Donald Trump’s re-election as U.S. president, the Taliban have expressed hope for a new phase in relations with Washington. Reports suggest that diplomatic talks between the Taliban and the U.S. have been progressing positively, with the Taliban spokesperson stating that they have no objection to reopening the U.S. embassy in Afghanistan. Additionally, the Afghan embassy in Washington is expected to be handed over to Taliban representatives soon.
