In a significant move, Kuwait has released a group of American prisoners, including military veterans and contractors, who had been imprisoned for years on drug-related charges. The release, which comes after ongoing diplomatic efforts, is seen as a goodwill gesture between the U.S. and its ally, Kuwait.
At least six American detainees were freed, and they were flown back to New York, accompanied by Jonathan Franks, a consultant specializing in the release of American hostages and detainees. Franks, who had worked on securing their release, expressed gratitude to the Kuwaiti government in a statement. “My clients and their families are grateful to the Kuwaiti government for this kind humanitarian gesture,” he said, while emphasizing that the detainees maintained their innocence.
The names of the freed individuals have not been publicly disclosed, and Kuwait has yet to comment on the release. This move follows a visit by Adam Boehler, the U.S. government’s top hostage envoy, and is part of broader efforts by the U.S. to bring home its citizens detained abroad.
Kuwait, a key non-NATO U.S. ally in the Gulf, has long had a close military partnership with the U.S., especially since the 1991 Gulf War. However, it has also detained many American military contractors on drug charges, some of whom were imprisoned for extended periods under harsh conditions. Families have accused Kuwaiti authorities of manufacturing evidence and bringing baseless charges, though the Kuwaiti government has not acknowledged these claims.
The release comes as part of Kuwait’s tradition of prisoner releases during the holy month of Ramadan. Despite the ongoing diplomatic cooperation, some critics argue that prior U.S. policies neglected Americans detained abroad who were not officially labeled as “wrongfully detained.”
Franks highlighted the importance of this release as a demonstration of what can be achieved when the U.S. prioritizes the return of its citizens. “These releases demonstrate what is achievable when the U.S. government prioritizes bringing Americans home,” Franks said.
Excerpt from AP
Kuwait’s Parliament Pic by Gustavo Ferrari for AP Via FMT
