UK – Afghanistan International, July 09, 2026
A US State Department spokesperson told Afghanistan International that the Taliban continues its “hostage-taking policy” and called for the release of all Americans wrongfully detained in Afghanistan.
She stressed that supporting US citizens and protecting United States’ national interests remain key priorities in Washington’s policy towards Afghanistan.
Elizabeth Stickney, a US State Department spokesperson, accused the Taliban in an exclusive interview with Afghanistan International of continuing a “hostage-taking policy” and called for the release of all Americans she said were being “wrongfully detained”.
She said on Thursday that the Taliban continued to pursue a policy of hostage-taking and called for the release of all wrongfully detained American citizens.
Stickney said protecting American citizens and safeguarding US national interests were priorities for the administration of President Donald Trump.
The State Department spokesperson also said counterterrorism remained one of Washington’s most important national interests in Afghanistan.
