Kabul: The Taliban’s ambassador to Qatar, Suhail Shaheen, issued a warning to the United States on Monday regarding potential retaliatory actions over the detention of American citizens in Afghanistan.
This comes after U.S. Senator Marco Rubio suggested placing substantial bounties on Taliban leaders if reports of detained Americans are confirmed.
Rubio recently stated on his social media platform that if it is proven the Taliban are holding American nationals, "a very large bounty" would be placed on their leaders, possibly exceeding the amount offered for al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. The U.S. had placed a $25 million bounty on bin Laden, who masterminded the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Responding to these remarks, Shaheen told VOA in a written statement, "Our policy is to seek solutions through peaceful measures. The Afghan people's years-long jihad against invasion and pressure should serve as a lesson for all."
The situation unfolds as the Taliban government confirmed engaging in prisoner exchanges with the United States, reportedly releasing several American citizens in exchange for one of their members. However, the exact number of Americans detained by the Taliban remains unclear. U.S. officials have identified two detained Americans as George Gleasman and Mahmood Shah Habibi.
The developments come amid increased scrutiny of the Taliban leadership. Last week, the International Criminal Court (ICC) imposed sanctions on Taliban Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and Justice Minister Abdul Hakim Haqqani, accusing them of crimes against humanity. The Taliban has denied these allegations.
