Family urges Trump to release US citizen from Taliban Custody

The family of a U.S. citizen urges the Trump administration to secure his release from Taliban custody, demanding swift action.

Following the release of another U.S. citizen from Taliban custody, the family of Mahmood Shah Habibi, an Afghan-American detained by the Taliban for over two and a half years, has urged the Trump administration to intensify efforts for his freedom.

His brother, Ahmad Shah Habibi, expressed deep concern over the lack of information regarding Mahmood’s condition and location. The latest release has renewed hope among detainees’ families but has also highlighted the ongoing plight of Americans still held by the Taliban.

Sources familiar with the matter indicate that senior Taliban figures, including Sirajuddin Haqqani and Abdul Haq Wasiq, are likely aware of Mahmood Shah’s detention. This secrecy has raised concerns among human rights organizations, which have repeatedly called for transparency regarding detainees held in Taliban-controlled prisons. The exact number of U.S. citizens still in Taliban custody remains unclear.

Ahmad Shah Habibi said the U.S. State Department assured them of ongoing talks with the Taliban for Mahmood’s release. He criticized the Taliban for withholding information and blocking communication, adding that reports suggest Mahmood may be in a high-security Kandahar prison under Mullah Haibatullah’s control, he told Afghanistan International.

The recent release of Faye Hall, an American citizen, has drawn further attention to the issue. Hall stated that many female prisoners in Taliban custody see President Donald Trump as their only hope for freedom. This release marks the fourth American freed by the Taliban in 2025, following the earlier releases of Ryan Corbett, William McEntee, and George Glezmann.

According to reports, some of these releases were part of prisoner exchange agreements negotiated in the final days of Joe Biden’s presidency.

The Taliban has reportedly used detained U.S. citizens as leverage in diplomatic negotiations. While multiple Americans have been freed, there is no confirmation that the Taliban has made any formal or informal requests regarding Mahmood Shah’s release. The U.S. State Department has repeatedly expressed concern over American hostages in Afghanistan, reaffirming its commitment to securing their safe return.

In a separate development, following the release of two U.S. citizens, a Taliban foreign ministry spokesperson encouraged American companies to invest in Afghanistan’s mineral sector, particularly in rare earth minerals. Analysts suggest this could be part of the Taliban’s broader strategy to engage economically with the Trump administration while leveraging detained foreigners for political gains.

As the situation unfolds, families of detained Americans continue to seek answers and urge stronger diplomatic action. The U.S. government faces mounting pressure to prioritize the safe return of its citizens while navigating complex negotiations with the Taliban regime.

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