The United States has designated Afghanistan as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention in response to the Taliban’s unlawful detention of Americans and other foreign nationals.
“The Taliban continues to use terrorist tactics, kidnapping individuals for ransom or to seek policy concessions,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in his declaration.
The U.S. government called for an end to the Taliban’s “despicable tactics,” and restated its warning to its citizens not to travel to Afghanistan.
Rubio asked the Taliban to release Dennis Coyle, Mahmoud Habibi, and all Americans unjustly detained in Afghanistan, and stop the practice of hostage diplomacy.
Washington categorized Iran as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention on February 27, just one day before the U.S. and Israel launched joint assaults in Tehran and other cities.
Secretary Rubio, however, spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shiaa al-Sudani, during which he condemned attacks by Iran and affiliates in Iraq, including in the Kurdistan Region.
The officials reiterated the importance of the Iraqi government taking all possible measures to safeguard U.S. diplomatic personnel and facilities amid regional tensions.
Iraq has become a hot spot in the Middle East conflict, with groups loyal to the Islamic Republic launching attacks against U.S. bases and interests in retaliation for strikes by American forces.
Since the start of Operation Epic Fury, Iran-aligned militia groups have targeted Erbil, Kirkuk, and other areas, with drones and rockets hitting infrastructure and military sites.
