George Glezmann, a 66-year-old Delta Airlines mechanic, has returned to the United States after spending two and a half years in captivity in Afghanistan. His release, facilitated by diplomatic efforts, has been met with gratitude from Glezmann, who specifically credited the Trump administration for securing his freedom.
“I’m in debt to the president, President Trump, you know, thank God he’s in the White House where he’s at, and thank God he got me out,” Glezmann said upon his return.
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He also expressed gratitude to Senators Marco Rubio and Mike Waltz, among others, for their involvement. “I mean that with everybody that was involved in this situation because they got me home a free American, a free American individual free from the hands of these people.”
Glezmann, an avid traveler who had visited over 100 countries, was in Afghanistan as a tourist when he was abducted. The Foley Foundation, an organization advocating for the release of Americans detained abroad, had been working on his case.
His release follows the recent return of Americans Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, who were freed from Afghanistan on the night of President Trump’s inauguration.
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Senator Marco Rubio credited the State of Qatar for its crucial role in Glezmann’s release. “We extend our deepest appreciation to the State of Qatar, whose steadfast commitment and diplomatic efforts were instrumental in securing George’s release,” Rubio stated, highlighting Qatar’s reliability as a mediator in complex international negotiations.
With Glezmann’s successful return, the Trump administration and Senator Rubio have emphasized that their efforts to secure the release of other Americans held in Afghanistan and other countries will continue.
“President Trump will continue his tireless work to free ALL Americans unjustly detained around the world,” a statement from Rubio’s office concluded.
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