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4h ago

U.S. Designates Taliban-Run Afghanistan as State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention

The decision unlocks sanctions tools under a 2025 order, with U.S. officials pressing for the release of Dennis Coyle and Mahmood Habibi.

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Afghan Taliban fighters patrol near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in Spin Boldak, Kandahar Province, following exchanges of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces in Afghanistan, October 15, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer/File Photo
Secretary of State Marco Rubio takes part in a U.S. Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Flag Raising ceremony at the State Department, Monday, March 9, 2026 in Washington. (AP Photo/Kevin Wolf)
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Overview

  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the designation on Monday, making Afghanistan the second country on the blacklist after Iran’s addition on February 27.
  • The move enables sanctions and export controls and could lead to limits on the use of U.S. passports for travel to Afghanistan, according to officials considering the step.
  • Rubio demanded the release of Americans Dennis Coyle and Mahmood Habibi, saying the Taliban uses kidnappings for ransom or policy concessions.
  • The State Department offered up to $5 million for information leading to Habibi’s location and safe return, while the Taliban has denied holding him.
  • At the U.N., U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz accused the Taliban of practicing “hostage diplomacy” and questioned large-scale aid requests given the group’s restrictions on women.