The Taliban in Afghanistan has reportedly declined to return any of the military equipment left behind by US troops during their withdrawal in 2021. This move highlights the growing tensions and uncertain future of relations between Kabul and Washington. Sources suggest that instead of reclaiming the abandoned arms, the US should consider providing the Taliban with more advanced weaponry to aid their fight against the Islamic State Khorasan (ISIS-K), a local affiliate of the global ISIS network. This proposal reflects shifting dynamics and complex alliances in the region.
In another development, the US has facilitated the release of Khan Mohammad, an Afghan Taliban member convicted of drug smuggling and terrorism, in exchange for two American citizens detained by the Taliban.
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Mohammad had been sentenced to life imprisonment in 2008 for his role in narco-terrorism. The exchange was the result of long negotiations between Afghan and US authorities, with the Taliban’s foreign ministry praising the deal for contributing to the normalization of relations between the two countries. This release is seen as a part of the broader effort to stabilize relations and facilitate further prisoner swaps.
The US citizens released included Ryan Corbett, who had been detained in Afghanistan since 2022, and William McKenty, whose details remain more private. Both families expressed relief and joy at the successful release, while some voices raised concerns over the ongoing situation for others, like George Glezmann and Mahmood Habibi, who were not part of this deal.
