Crime & Safety
Delta Mechanic Detained In Afghanistan Released, Feds Say
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday said George Glezmann is returning to the States after his more than 2-year captivity.
ATLANTA, GA — A Delta Air Lines mechanic who has been held in captivity for at least two years in Afghanistan is returning to the U.S., Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday in a news release.
Rubio said George Glezmann, 66, will soon be reunited with his wife, Aleksandra. The secretary did not offer many details, but said Glezmann is the third American to be released from Afghanistan captivity this year.
It is unclear if Glezmann is originally from Georgia, but Delta Air Lines is headquartered in Atlanta. Both ABC News and 11 Alive in Atlanta both reported Glezmann is from Atlanta.
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Ryan Corbett and William McKenty were released during President Donald Trump's inauguration night on Jan. 20. They have since rejoined their families, Rubio said.
U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-GA, in July 2024 sponsored a resolution for Glezmann's freedom. The Taliban first detained Glezmann on Dec. 5, 2022 before being detained by then-U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sept. 29, 2023, according to the resolution.
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Glezmann was in Afghanistan on a five-day trip "to explore the cultural landscape and rich history of the country," according to the resolution. He was not charged with a crime and was not given due process, the resolution stated.
During his detainment in Afghanistan, Glezmann was held in a 9-foot by 9-foot cell with other detainees, the resolution stated. His stint included being held in solitary confinement and underground for months.
"We extend our deepest appreciation to the State of Qatar, whose steadfast commitment and diplomatic efforts were instrumental in securing George’s release. Qatar has consistently proven to be a reliable partner and trusted mediator, facilitating complex negotiations. George’s release is a positive and constructive step. It is also a reminder that other Americans are still detained in Afghanistan. President Trump will continue his tireless work to free all Americans unjustly detained around the world," Rubio's office stated.
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