US Senator Risch Expresses Pride in Designating Taliban as Supporter of Illegal Detentions

WASHINGTON (Afghan Verified) -- Jim Risch, chairman of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, expressed pride in his cooperation with the Trump administration to designate the Taliban as a supporter of illegal detentions.

Risch referred to the recent release of American citizen Dennis McKeill from Taliban custody and called for applying the policy against those who take Americans hostage. He welcomed President Donald Trump for fulfilling his promise to secure the release of American hostages held by the Taliban.

The Taliban Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that it had released McKeill, who had been imprisoned for a year. The ministry claimed the decision followed a letter from McKeill's mother to Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and was made in observance of Eid.

Prior to the release, a deputy assistant to Trump warned the Taliban to end its "evil policy of hostage diplomacy" and free American citizens. The official stated that a clear warning had been issued to the Taliban.

The Taliban issued no official response to the warnings. However, sources in Kandahar told Amu TV that the US statements caused serious concern in Akhundzada's office, prompting the Taliban leader to hold several meetings with officials and advisors.