The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued an appeal for information regarding the disappearance of Mahmood Shah Habibi, an Afghan-American who was detained in Kabul on August 10, 2022.
According to the FBI, Habibi was taken from his vehicle near his home in Kabul and has not been heard from since. “It is believed that Mr. Habibi was detained by Taliban military or security forces,” the FBI said in a statement. The agency also noted that Habibi’s driver and 29 other employees of Asia Consultancy Group were also taken at the time; all but Habibi and one other individual have since been released.
David Sundberg, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Washington Field Office, emphasized the bureau’s ongoing efforts to secure Habibi’s return. “The FBI is committed to seeking answers on behalf of our citizens, victims, and their families,” Sundberg said. “We urge anyone with information to come forward and contact the FBI.”
Habibi is one of three American citizens currently in Taliban custody, along with Ryan Corbett and George Glezmann.
The appeal for information comes after a two-day meeting in Doha, Qatar, where U.S. special envoys met with Taliban representatives. Following the talks, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid told the press that the fate of the detainees had been discussed with the U.S. delegation.
