US designates Afghanistan as 'state sponsor of wrongful detention'

KABUL — The United States has officially designated Afghanistan as a 'State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention', according to recent statements from US officials. The move comes amid ongoing concerns regarding the detention of American citizens in Afghanistan.

US Secretary Rubio has called for the immediate release of all US nationals currently held in Afghanistan, specifically naming Mahmood Habibi and Dennis Coyle among those detained. Secretary Rubio emphasized the urgency of the situation and reiterated demands for their freedom.

The designation of Afghanistan under this category signals Washington's growing unease over the treatment of its citizens in the country. The US government has not provided further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the detentions or the total number of Americans affected.

The announcement marks a significant step in US-Afghanistan relations, as the 'State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention' label is reserved for countries deemed to be holding foreign nationals unjustly. The US has previously applied similar designations to other countries in response to concerns over the detention of its citizens abroad.

US officials have not elaborated on any diplomatic or legal measures that may follow this designation. The situation remains under close scrutiny by American authorities, who continue to press for the safe return of all detained US nationals.