The brother of Mahmood Shah Habibi, an Afghan-American in Taliban custody, has called on the U.S. government to confirm his brother’s whereabouts and ensure his safety.
Sarah Adams, a former CIA official, recently alleged that Habibi had been transferred to al-Qaeda and faces an “imminent” execution. However, Habibi’s brother, Ahmad Shah Habibi, disputed those claims, insisting that the Taliban still holds his brother.
“I don’t agree with reports that the Taliban have handed over my brother to al-Qaeda. Based on the information I have, the Taliban still has him,” Ahmad Shah said. “They took him in August 2022, and he remains in their custody. The U.S. government must verify these reports and confirm whether the Taliban has transferred him to al-Qaeda.”
Mahmood Habibi, 37, was reportedly working for an American telecommunications company when he was detained by the Taliban in August 2022, shortly after a U.S. drone strike killed al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri. According to The Independent, the Taliban may have suspected that Habibi, a former employee of the Federal Aviation Administration, was linked to the strike.
Last month, the FBI issued a notice seeking information on Habibi’s disappearance, stating: “It is believed that Mr. Habibi was taken by Taliban military or security forces and has not been heard from since.”
Habibi’s family has urged the U.S. government to intensify efforts to secure his release, noting that the Taliban has expressed a willingness to negotiate the exchange of American prisoners. According to the U.S. State Department, Habibi is one of three Americans currently being held by the Taliban, along with Rayan Corbett and George Glezmann.
In response to the ongoing detentions, Rep. Dan Meuser, a Pennsylvania Republican, introduced a bill to suspend U.S. aid to Afghanistan until all American prisoners are released. Although Meuser’s bill does not specifically name Habibi, his family hopes it will prompt further action.
U.S. officials have yet to confirm or comment on reports of Habibi’s alleged transfer to al-Qaeda.
