Mujahid: Americans Detained Over Legal Violations
More than four years after the end of the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan, sanctions, international restrictions, and the issue of foreign detainees remain among the most contentious topics in relations between Kabul and the West.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, told that the detained American citizens were arrested due to legal violations and insisted that these cases should be resolved through consultations and dialogue.
At the same time, Adam Boehler, the U.S. President’s Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, wrote on X that the Islamic Emirate must end all forms of hostage-taking, stating that two American citizens are currently being held in Afghanistan a matter the Islamic Emirate has also confirmed.
“The American detainees in Afghanistan committed legal violations and were detained in accordance with the country’s laws. We witness the daily presence of Americans in institutions and on tourist visits, and if they commit violations, they must be held accountable,” Mujahid said.
In another part of his remarks, Mujahid described the current Western policy toward Afghanistan as a continuation of wartime policy, arguing that it should be adjusted to reflect the country’s new realities.
According to him, sanctions have not led to policy changes but have instead deprived the Afghan people of financial rights and global engagement.
“The West’s policy has not been revised and remains the same as during the war. Restricting people’s travel and assets, along with widespread propaganda, indicates an attempt to impose foreign demands on the Afghan nation,” he added.
Responding to remarks by Pakistan’s defense minister, the spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate said Afghanistan is prepared to defend itself, while emphasizing that Kabul seeks no tension with any country and considers dialogue the primary solution.
Hematullah Ahmadi, a political analyst, said: “All issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan must be resolved through dialogue, especially the problems related to the disputed border line, which should be addressed through engagement between the people of both sides.”
Previously, the U.S. Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations, during a Security Council session on sanctions monitoring against the Islamic Emirate, alleged that detainees were being used as leverage in negotiations with the United States and other countries. The Security Council strongly condemned hostage-taking.
