US Labels Afghanistan State Sponsor Of Wrongful Detention

WASHINGTON: (Web Desk) – In Washington, D.C., Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, announced on Monday that the United States has officially designated Afghanistan as a “State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention.” The move is intended to prevent the Taliban from using American citizens as leverage for political or diplomatic gain.

The announcement coincided with the observance of the International Day of the Victims of Hostages and Wrongful Detention. Under the new designation, Washington now has expanded legal authority to introduce additional economic sanctions, tighten export controls, and impose travel restrictions on Afghan officials.

US officials said the step reflects the administration’s determination to end what it described as “hostage diplomacy,” where foreign nationals are detained to secure political concessions.

Rubio strongly criticized the practice, stating that the Taliban have adopted tactics similar to terrorist groups by detaining individuals for ransom or political advantage. He emphasized that such actions are unacceptable and must stop immediately.

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Following the announcement, the U.S. Department of State outlined several key demands and warnings. Washington has called on Afghan authorities to immediately release detained American citizens, including Dennis Coyle and Mahmud Habibi.

The department also warned that Afghanistan could face deeper diplomatic isolation and stronger financial pressure as a result of the designation. In addition, US citizens have been advised to avoid travel to Afghanistan due to the high risk of arbitrary detention.

Afghanistan has become the second country after Iran to be placed on this particular US list, signaling a tougher stance from Washington on the issue of wrongful detentions.

In US legal terms, a “State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention” refers to a country accused of detaining foreign nationals—especially Americans—without legal grounds in order to gain political leverage or concessions.

The United States has reiterated its demand for the immediate release of Coyle and Habibi, who were detained in separate incidents over the past several years.

Officials also indicated that the new designation could pave the way for stricter sanctions, including freezing Afghan financial assets and imposing tighter restrictions on the travel and international dealings of Taliban officials.