Afghan Taliban say talks with US on prisoner swap stalled

PESHAWAR: The Afghan Taliban have confirmed holding a series of meetings with the Biden administration for the exchange of Americans detained in Afghanistan for Afghans in US custody but a deal could not be reached due to alleged reluctance from Washington to release an Afghan national held at Guantanamo Bay, citing his alleged links to Al-Qaeda.

According to Taliban leaders, Mohammad Rahim is the only Afghan national still detained in the notorious Guantanamo Bay prison.

All other Afghan prisoners had previously been released as part of prisoner swaps between the US and the Afghan Taliban.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, Taliban leaders revealed that negotiations spanned over two years, with talks intensifying in Doha. However, they claimed the Biden administration delayed the swap, leaving it to the next US government to address.

“We engaged in long-term negotiations with the Americans, and a series of meetings were held in Doha. However, the prisoner exchange was delayed due to some reasons,” said one Taliban leader.

The Afghan Taliban had demanded the release of three Afghan nationals, including Mohammad Rahim.

The US officials have maintained that Mohammad Rahim, detained without charge since 2008, was a senior aide in Al-Qaeda, the group behind the September 11, 2001, attacks. However, reports suggested he played a lesser role as a courier and translator, with no involvement in terrorist acts.

According to Taliban leaders, Mohammad Rahim’s mother has been protesting for years, making repeated appeals for her son’s release.

“Rahim hails from Afghanistan’s eastern Nangarhar province and was captured in Pakistan over alleged ties with Al-Qaeda,” said the Taliban leader.

The Taliban further confirmed that they were currently holding three American prisoners in Afghanistan. “Two were arrested on spying charges and another for preaching Christianity,” said the Taliban official. He expressed optimism that the new US administration would prioritize a prisoner swap to secure the release of the three Americans.

The Taliban did not disclose the names of the detained Americans but previously identified Ryan Corbett and George Glezmann. Both were classified as wrongfully detained by the US State Department.