KABUL: Afghanistan’s government has arrested two United States nationals over violations of law in the country, spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said on Monday.
Mujahid did not reveal the identities of the detained individuals and said that other foreigners have also been arrested.
“I think there are two Americans, and the reasons for their arrest are not clear yet; but whatever the reasons, anyone coming to Afghanistan is obliged to observe the laws of Afghanistan. Anyone who gets an Afghan visa means they agree to follow our laws,” he was quoted by TOLO News as saying.
American officials have already said that two of their nationals are in Afghan custody. They had even identified one of the men as Ryan Corbett.
The US officials had also claimed that the Americans were being detained ‘without reason’.
International relations analyst Rashid Qutbzada said that it was possible that the Taliban might ask for the release of someone they want in exchange for the two detained Americans.
The State Department had said in a February briefing that America was continuously pressing Afghanistan over the release of its citizens
“U.S. officials have continuously, consistently pressed – including in meetings with Taliban representatives – for the immediate and unconditional release of Americans detained in Afghanistan, noting that these tensions are a significant obstacle to positive engagement,” Matthew Miller had said.
