In a significant development, American citizen Ryan Corbett has been freed from Taliban captivity after over two years of detainment. This release was part of a prisoner swap orchestrated between the United States and the Taliban, involving the exchange of a Taliban figure imprisoned in California for Corbett and another American whose identity is yet to be confirmed by Fox News.

Corbett's family expressed immense relief and gratitude upon his return, acknowledging the challenging 894 days they endured during his captivity. They thanked both former President Biden and current President Trump, as well as National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and other government officials, for their efforts in securing his release.

A photo provided by the Corbett family shows Ryan on a plane returning to the U.S., reportedly speaking with Roger Carstens, the Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs. Corbett was initially taken captive on August 10, 2022, after returning to Afghanistan on a valid visa for business purposes. He and his family had previously resided in Afghanistan during the period of the U.S.-backed government's collapse.

Corbett's work focused on promoting Afghanistan's private sector through consulting and lending services. The family also extended their appreciation to Qatar for its role in facilitating negotiations and for visiting Corbett during his detainment.

The Taliban confirmed the exchange, identifying the released Taliban member as Khan Mohammed, who had been serving two life sentences since 2008 on drug trafficking and terrorism charges in California. Mohammed, captured in Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, was the first individual convicted under U.S. narco-terrorism laws, described by the Justice Department as a "violent jihadist."

This prisoner exchange occurred shortly after President Trump assumed office, succeeding former President Biden. The Taliban viewed the exchange positively, highlighting it as a successful example of problem-solving through dialogue and expressing hope for improved relations with the United States.