A year ago, a prisoner exchange between the United States and the Taliban brought relief to families waiting for the return of their loved ones.
The deal was seen as a rare moment of cooperation between Washington and the Afghan government. It was also controversial, as it involved the release of a Taliban-linked prisoner who had been held for years.
At the time, officials suggested that the exchange had accounted for all known Americans detained in Afghanistan.
Now, new claims raise questions about whether that was true.
Detained Since 2022
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Taliban forces may be holding more American hostages than previously reported.
He made the announcement on social media, warning that the United States could take stronger action if the reports are accurate.
He suggested that Washington should consider placing a large bounty on Taliban leaders, comparing the situation to the hunt for Osama bin Laden, according to Digi24.
The comments come just days after the Taliban released two Americans in exchange for an Afghan prisoner.
Ryan Corbett, who had been detained since 2022, was one of the men freed.
The other, William McKenty, has remained largely out of the public eye, and few details about his case have been released.
The United States, in turn, returned Khan Mohammed, a man convicted of drug trafficking and terrorism charges.
Rubio did not specify how many additional Americans might still be held.
His remarks followed unconfirmed reports that US officials are still tracking missing citizens who have not been formally acknowledged as hostages. The Taliban has not responded to his statements.
If Washington moves forward with Rubio’s suggestion, it would not be the first time the United States has placed financial rewards on the heads of foreign leaders.
After the attacks of September 11, the US offered millions of dollars for information leading to the capture of Osama bin Laden. The bounty later grew to $50 million, though the reward was never claimed.
