US and Afghanistan carry out prisoner exchange: Taliban
US Navy veteran was working in Afghanistan as a civil engineer on construction projects when he was kidnapped in 2020
KABUL: The United States and the Taliban have completed a prisoner swap, Afghanistan’s foreign minister said Monday, with an American navy veteran traded for a key ally.
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said Mark Frerichs -- kidnapped in 2020 -- was exchanged for Bashar Noorzai, a warlord and Taliban associate imprisoned for 17 years in the United States for heroin smuggling.
"Today, Mark Frerichs was handed over to the US and Haji Bashar was handed over to us at Kabul airport," Muttaqi told reporters in Kabul.
He said the exchange happened "after long negotiations", adding that Frerichs was given to a US delegation.
The US Navy veteran was working in Afghanistan as a civil engineer on construction projects when he was kidnapped, the US State Department said.
Government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP on Monday that Noorzai held no official position in the Taliban but "provided strong support including weapons" as the Taliban movement emerged in the 1990s.
-
Liza Minnelli reveals rare traits she is looking for in new lover after series of failed romances -
EU court adviser rejects Meta Platforms challenge over Facebook data -
Oscar nominated Michael B Jordan reveals one 'Sinners' scene entire cast saw filmed -
World Economic Forum CEO Borge Brende steps down following Jeffrey Epstein ties controversy -
Hillary Clinton set for deposition before House committee today in Jeffrey Epstein investigation case -
Kim Jong Un says North Korea ready to ‘get along’ with US but sets key condition -
Trump’s tariff turmoil yet to significantly dent growth in emerging economies, despite raising trade tensions -
Kash Patel fires FBI officials behind Trump Mar-a-Lago documents probe, reports say