By Fiona McLaughlin
An American woman detained since February 2025 in Afghanistan by the Taliban was reportedly released Thursday.
“American citizen Faye Hall, just released by the Taliban, is now in the care of our friends, the Qataris in Kabul, and will soon be on her way home,” former U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan and Iraq, Zalmay Khalilzad, wrote Saturday on X. “Thank you, #Qatar, for your ongoing and steadfast partnership.” The post by Khalilzad, the U.S. special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation from September 2018 to October 2021, is accompanied by a photo of the woman sitting next to Qatari officials. (RELATED: ‘Thank God He’s In The White House’: Freed Hostage Praises Trump Upon Returning Home After Years In Captivity)
American citizen Faye Hall, just released by the Taliban, is now in the care of our friends, the Qataris in Kabul, and will soon be on her way home. Thank you, #Qatar, for your ongoing and steadfast partnership. #USA #Afghanistan pic.twitter.com/cMSBuaq7qR
— Zalmay Khalilzad (@realZalmayMK) March 29, 2025
Faye Hall faced charges for using a drone without authorization, a source with knowledge of the release told The Daily Caller. Hall was released “following a court order and with logistical support from Qatar,” according to the source. Qatar had been meditating on the behalf of the U.S., the source added.
American citizen Faye Hall, released by the Taliban, sits with Qataris in Kabul, Afghanistan. (Photo shared with The Daily Caller by diplomatic source in Kabul)
There is no U.S. diplomatic presence in Afghanistan after the embassy closed soon after the Taliban takeover in August 2021. Rather, Qatar acts as a “protective power” in representing the U.S. “Since the decision, the Qataris have been coordinating with the relevant Afghan authorities and the US [sic] embassy in Doha to complete the final legal requirements to secure her release,” according to the source.
Hall was reportedly “received at the Qatari embassy in Kabul.” She is “in good health after undergoing a series of medical checks” and that “arrangements are currently underway for her return to the United States,” the source told The Daily Caller.
American citizen Faye Hall, released by the Taliban, sits in Kabul, Afghanistan. (Photo shared with The Daily Caller by diplomatic source in Kabul)
Hall’s release comes nine days after the release of George Glezmann, an American who was held captive in Afghanistan for two years, according to the U.S. Department of State. Americans Ryan Corbett and William McKenty were also released from Afghanistan on the night of Trump’s inauguration. Qatar has reportedly played a role in securing the freedom of the aforementioned American detainees.
“George’s release is a positive and constructive step. It is also a reminder that other Americans are still detained in Afghanistan. President Trump will continue his tireless work to free ALL Americans unjustly detained around the world,” the State Department said.
Qatar has reportedly maintained diplomatic channels with the Taliban since they took control of Afghanistan to maintain corridors for humanitarian efforts, provide an avenue for sensitive negotiations such as hostage releases and facilitate international dialogue. Qatar has also reportedly hosted multiple United Nations-led meetings on Afghanistan, including the participation of a Taliban delegation for the first time in June 2024. Qatar’s diplomatic manuevers reportedly urge the Taliban to respect the rights of women and girls, including access to work and an education.
