US State Dept: We Are Working to Bring Americans Home

The US Department of State said that America’s focus is not solely on the release of detainees, but also on broader issues, including improving global conditions.

Tammy Bruce, spokesperson for the US State Department, told reporters that the United States is concerned about the well-being of Mahmood Shah Habibi and other US citizens detained in Afghanistan, and that efforts to bring them back home are ongoing.

“We remain deeply concerned about the well-being of Mahmoud Habibi and other Americans still detained in Afghanistan. The safety and security of Americans abroad remains a highest priority of this State Department, and we are working tirelessly to bring Americans home,” Tammy Bruce said.

She also expressed appreciation for the roles played by Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in facilitating the initial negotiations for the return of George Galtzman to the US.

“We are grateful for the Government of Qatar’s support in bringing George home.  The United Arab Emirates also played a role in facilitating the initial discussions,” she said.

Salim Paigir, a political affairs analyst, commented on the recent US delegation’s visit to Kabul: “Extensive discussions took place regarding Afghanistan and US-Afghanistan engagement, which both the Islamic Emirate and the US do not deny. There are many matters on which we can engage with the Americans.”

This comes after the US delegation’s visit to Kabul, which included Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation. Following the visit, the Islamic Emirate released George Glezmann as a gesture of goodwill and humanitarian concern.