Rubio designates Afghanistan as ‘state sponsor of wrongful detention’: ‘Despicable tactics’

The United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, made a significant announcement on Monday, designating Afghanistan as a “state sponsor of wrongful detention.” This decision was made in response to the Taliban’s continued use of terrorist tactics and unjust detention practices.

Rubio emphasized the need for the Taliban to end their despicable tactics, which include kidnapping individuals for ransom or to seek policy concessions. He specifically called for the release of two Americans, Dennis Coyle and Mahmoud Habibi, who are currently being unjustly detained in Afghanistan.

Dennis Coyle, a 64-year-old academic researcher, was detained over a year ago by the Taliban General Directorate of Intelligence without any charges being brought against him. Similarly, Mahmoud Habibi, a 38-year-old American citizen born in Afghanistan, was taken by the Taliban from his vehicle in Kabul in August 2022. Habibi, who previously served as Afghanistan’s director of civil aviation, has not been heard from since his arrest.

In addition to Coyle and Habibi, the US is also seeking the return of the remains of Paul Overby, an author who went missing near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in 2014. The State Department has indicated that passport restrictions for travel to Afghanistan could be implemented if the Taliban fails to comply with the US government’s demands.

The Taliban expressed regret over Rubio’s decision to designate Afghanistan as a state sponsor of wrongful detention and expressed a willingness to resolve the matter through dialogue. The militant group took control of Afghanistan in 2021 following the US military’s withdrawal from the country, ending a 20-year war in the region.

It is worth noting that Rubio had previously designated Iran as a state sponsor of wrongful detention, warning of potential travel restrictions to the country over its detention of US citizens. However, no restrictions have been imposed yet.

In conclusion, the US government remains committed to advocating for the release of Americans and other foreign nationals unjustly detained in Afghanistan and other countries. Rubio’s designation of Afghanistan as a state sponsor of wrongful detention underscores the need for accountability and respect for human rights in international relations.