During a statement on Monday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio criticized Afghanistan's Taliban regime, categorizing the country as one that supports unlawful detention practices. He specifically called for the immediate release of two detained American citizens and urged the Taliban to cease what he termed 'hostage diplomacy,' which involves using hostage-taking as leverage for political concessions. Rubio's comments highlight ongoing tensions between the US and the Taliban, particularly regarding the safety of Americans traveling to Afghanistan.

The US government's stance on Afghanistan has evolved recently, especially after President Donald Trump introduced an executive order to establish a blacklist of states supporting unlawful detentions, similar to previous blacklists for state sponsors of terrorism. This follows Iran's recent classification as the first nation under the new criteria by the US, indicating a broader concern over countries that engage in such practices.

In his declaration, Rubio emphasized the dangers faced by Americans in Afghanistan, citing the continued unlawful detention of citizens and foreigners as a significant risk. The US administration's call for the immediate release of individuals like Denis Koyle and Mahmoud Habibi underlines the urgent diplomatic pressure being exerted on the Taliban to comply with international norms regarding human rights and the treatment of detainees.