Detained American missionary released in Tunisia after 13 months

A Trump administration official said that an American missionary was released Sunday after 13 months of detainment in Tunisia, Reuters reported.

Adam Boehler, a U.S. special envoy, said that Robert Vieira’s release was secured Sunday, according to Reuters.

Amid missionary work 13 months ago in Tunisia, Vieira was apprehended, and Tunisian authorities suspected he was involved in espionage, Boehler said.

"We appreciate the government of Tunisia’s decision to resolve this case and allow Mr. Vieira to reunite with his family after more than 13 months of pre-trial detention," Boehler said, according to Reuters.

The State Department also announced the release late last month of an American airline mechanic that had been held by the Taliban since 2022.

“George Glezmann is free. George was wrongfully detained in Afghanistan for two and a half years, but now he’s on his way to be reunited with his wife Aleksandra,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on the social platform X. “Welcome home, George!”

In January, six Americans who had been held hostage in Venezuela were freed in the wake of a trip by President Trump’s envoy for special missions, Richard Grenell, to the country.

“Just been informed that we are bringing six hostages home from Venezuela. Thank you to Ric Grenell and my entire staff. Great job!” Trump said in a Truth Social post in January.