WASHINGTON, USA – Web Desk : The United States has taken a firm stance against the Afghan Taliban government, officially designating Afghanistan as a “State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention” over the detention of U.S. citizens, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on March 10, 2026.
In a statement, Rubio said the Taliban continues to employ “terroristic tactics” to gain policy concessions, adding that such measures only increase international pressure on the regime and are unlikely to succeed.
He urged the immediate release of all Americans detained in Afghanistan, including Dennis Quail and Mahmoud Habibi, emphasizing that the United States takes the matter of its citizens’ detention very seriously.
Rubio warned that the Taliban could face severe consequences if they fail to comply and reiterated that the U.S. will continue to exert diplomatic pressure to secure the release of its nationals.
