Kabul —The Afghan Taliban government has criticized the United States for designating Afghanistan as a “state sponsor of wrongful detention,” describing the move as regrettable and urging Washington to resolve the issue through dialogue rather than political pressure.
The reaction came after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the United States would formally classify the Taliban-led administration in Afghanistan under the designation, citing the continued detention of American citizens in the country.
In a statement issued Tuesday, Taliban officials expressed disappointment over the decision and said they remain open to diplomatic engagement with Washington to address concerns related to detained individuals.
U.S. Demands Release of American Citizens
According to the U.S. State Department, the designation is intended to increase pressure on the Afghan authorities to release Americans currently being held in the country. Among those named by U.S. officials are Mahmood Habibi and Dennis Coyle, whom Washington says should be freed immediately.
Secretary Rubio emphasized that the United States expects Afghanistan’s authorities to release all detained American citizens and ensure their safe return.
U.S. officials argue that wrongful detention of foreign nationals has become an increasing concern in global diplomacy, and the designation is part of broader efforts to discourage governments or authorities from using detainees as political leverage.
Taliban Response
Taliban representatives rejected accusations that detainees are being used as bargaining tools, maintaining that legal processes in Afghanistan are being followed. They added that the issue could be resolved through constructive dialogue and diplomatic engagement between the two sides.
Officials in Kabul stressed that escalating tensions through public designations or sanctions could complicate efforts to address humanitarian and political challenges facing the country.
Fragile U.S.–Taliban Relations
Relations between the United States and the Taliban government have remained complicated since the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021. While Washington has not formally recognized the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, both sides have maintained limited communication channels on issues such as humanitarian aid, counterterrorism, and detainee cases.
The latest designation signals growing frustration in Washington over unresolved detention cases involving American citizens.
Calls for Negotiated Solutions
Analysts say that despite the rhetoric, both sides may ultimately seek a negotiated solution to the detainee issue. Diplomatic engagement has previously led to prisoner releases and humanitarian arrangements between the United States and Afghan authorities.
For now, the Taliban say they remain open to discussions with U.S. officials, expressing hope that dialogue could lead to a resolution acceptable to both sides and allow tensions surrounding the detainee issue to ease.
