Two American prisoners jailed in Afghanistan are being released by the Taliban in what State Department spokesperson Ned Price called an apparent 'goodwill gesture.'
have yet to reveal the identities of the two Americans being released, Voice of America reported Tuesday that one of the Americans is believed to be Ivor Shearer, a U.S. citizen and journalist who was arrested by the Taliban along with his Afghan colleague in August while filming the site of the U.S. bombing that killed al Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri.
Price said no money was exchanged in the prisoner release, which he characterized as a"goodwill gesture" by the Taliban. "We understand this, or at least the Taliban characterize this to us, as a goodwill gesture," Price said.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP But Price also noted the timing of the release, saying it came just after the U.S. condemned a Taliban announcement Tuesday that women would be banned from private and public universities.
"The irony of them granting us a goodwill gesture on a day where they undertake a gesture like this to the Afghan people, it's not lost on us," Price said.Get all the stories you need-to-know from the most powerful name in news delivered first thing every morning to your inbox
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Taliban releases two Americans detained in AfghanistanThe two Americans arrived Tuesday in Qatar, according to diplomats familiar with the matter.
Read more »
Taliban free two Americans the same day they roll back women’s rightsThe Taliban released two Americans detained in Afghanistan the same day officials banned Afghan women from attending universities.
Read more »
Two Americans freed by Taliban in 'goodwill gesture'US says Taliban showed a 'goodwill gesture' after releasing two Americans in a no-prisoner swap process, but criticised the timing as it came right after it banned women from universities.
Read more »
Taliban releases two Americans detained in AfghanistanThe released Americans are being provided with 'all appropriate assistance.' The names of the individuals were not confirmed out of respect for their privacy, according to a senior administration official.
Read more »
Afghan refugees hoping for easier pathway to permanent residencyThe Afghan Adjustment Act would provide a pathway to permanent residency for Afghan refugees.
Read more »
Taliban bans women and girls from attending universities in AfghanistanBREAKING: The Taliban has indefinitely banned Afghan girls and women from getting higher education, effective immediately.
Read more »