Taliban releases two Americans detained in Afghanistan

© Hussein Malla/AP FILE – Afghan students queue at one of Kabul University’s gates in Kabul, Afghanistan, on Feb. 26, 2022. Women are banned from private and public universities in Afghanistan with immediate effect and until further notice, a Taliban government spokesman said Tuesday, Dec. 20, the latest edict cracking down on their rights and freedoms. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla, File)

The Taliban have released two Americans detained in Afghanistan who arrived Tuesday in Qatar, according to diplomats familiar with the matter.

“The United States welcomes the release of two U.S. nationals from detention in Afghanistan,” said a senior administration official. “We continue to provide all appropriate assistance. We are glad these U.S. nationals will reunite with their families soon. Out of respect for the privacy of these individuals and their families, we are not going to confirm names.”

The release is the result of concerted efforts by U.S. and Qatari officials, said the diplomats familiar with the matter.