A spokesperson for the Taliban government confirmed Sunday that some American citizens are detained in Afghanistan for violating the country’s laws.
Zabihullah Mujahid told the Afghan television channel “Tolo” that it is presumed that there are two American citizens, and he also confirmed ongoing talks with American officials.
Mujahid did not specify the nature of the alleged violations or the identities of the detainees.
A Taliban official added that when foreign nationals travel to Afghanistan, they must abide by Afghan laws, stating, “If they violate the rules, they will certainly face legal consequences.”
The exact number of foreigners detained in Afghanistan is unknown. An Austrian far-right extremist was not released until the end of February, after nine months of detention.
The Taliban had arrested him on charges of espionage.
The Taliban released four Britons, detained for violating Afghan law, in October 2023. The United Kingdom apologized for any violations.
