US trades Taliban prisoner for American detainees Ryan Corbett and William Wallace McKenty

Two Americans held by Taliban officials in Afghanistan have been exchanged for an Afghan man arrested in the US on drug and terrorism charges.

The news came out after Ryan Corbett and William Wallace McKenty were released. Khan Mohmmad, an Afghan national, served time in a federal prison in California on charges of drug trafficking and terrorism.

A statement from the Taliban government in Kabul announced the deal, which was finalized before the end of President Joe Biden’s term in office.

Mr Corbett’s release was confirmed by his family. The US press, quoting from the government, identified Mr McKenty as the second American.

The deal — said to be the culmination of two years of negotiations — was reached before Joe Biden handed over power to Donald Trump on Monday.

“Afghan soldier Khan Mohammed who was arrested in America has been released on behalf of American citizens and returned to the country,” the Taliban’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

Ryan Corbett’s family thanked both authorities and Qatar for what they described as an important step.

“Today, our hearts are full of gratitude and praise to God for sustaining Ryan’s life and bringing him home after 894 days which have been the most difficult and uncertain of our lives,” said the family.

Mr Corbett spent years in Afghanistan with his family and was arrested by the Taliban two years ago when he returned from a business trip.

There are details about Mr McKenty, whose family have asked for privacy.

Khan Mohammad was a member of the Taliban who was taken captive in Afghanistan during the US war. He was was built in 2008. Joe Biden reversed his decision before leaving office.

The Taliban called the exchange a result of “long and fruitful negotiations” with the US and “a good example of resolving problems through dialogue”.

“The Islamic Emirate appreciates the actions of the United States of America that contribute to the stability and development of relations between the two countries,” it said.

Since the Taliban took power in 2021, they have not been officially recognized by any government.

While this move may not change the relationship between Kabul and Washington, more negotiations may follow – Two other Americans are still in Afghanistanwho are believed to be George Glezmann and Mahmood Habibi.

The Taliban are also demanding the release of an Afghan man who is one of the few prisoners remaining at the US prison at Guantanamo Bay.

At a meeting held in Washington on the eve of his inauguration, President Trump threatened to cut humanitarian aid to Afghanistan unless the Taliban return captured weapons after the US pulls out in 2021.

The US A report by the Department of Defense in 2022 stated that $7bn of military equipment was left behind in Afghanistan after the US troops left.