Kuwait has freed a batch of American prisoners, encompassing veterans and military contractors who were incarcerated for many years due to drug offenses. This action is viewed as an act of good will between the two allied nations, according to a statement made by a representative for the detainees to The Associated Press on Wednesday.
This announcement follows Adam Boehler’s recent trip to the area, where he serves as the primary hostage negotiator for the Trump administration. It coincides with ongoing efforts by the U.S. government aimed at repatriating Americans incarcerated abroad.
A private consultant named Jonathan Franks, who specializes in cases related to American hostages and detainees and was in Kuwait assisting with their liberation, escorted six recently released inmates on a journey from Kuwait to New York.
"My clients and their families appreciate the Kuwaiti government’s compassionate action," Franks stated.
He stated that his clients assert their innocence and that more information is needed. Americans He is also anticipated to be released by Kuwait at a later time.
The State Department didn’t provide an immediate response when asked for their comments. The identities of the freed inmates weren’t disclosed right away either.
Kuwait did not acknowledge the announcement on its state-controlled KUNA news agency and has not yet responded to requests for comments. During the sacred Muslim observance of Ramadan and leading up to the Eid al-Fitr celebration, many Muslim-majority countries often grant pardons and free prisoners.
Kuwait, an oil-rich country bordering Iraq and Saudi Arabia and close to Iran, is regarded as a significant non-NATO ally of the United States. This status was highlighted by the Secretary of State. Marco Rubio honored that relationship as late as last month, stating the U.S. "continues to remain committed to supporting Kuwait’s independence and the welfare of its citizens."
The nations have maintained a strong military alliance since the United States initiated the 1991 Gulf War to oust Iraqi forces following the invasion ordered by Iraq’s leader. Saddam Hussein infiltrated the nation, deploying approximately 13,500 U.S. soldiers across two key locations in Kuwait: Camp Arifjan and Ali al-Salem Air Base.
However, Kuwait has similarly held numerous American military contractors on drug-related offenses for extended periods. Family members claim that these individuals experienced mistreatment while incarcerated in a nation where alcohol is prohibited and drug laws are rigorously enforced.
Some have condemned the Kuwaiti police for levying false accusations and fabricating evidence against individuals—allegations not admitted by the country’s hereditary ruler-led authoritarian government.
The State Department advises tourists that being caught with drugs in Kuwait could result in lengthy imprisonment or even the death penalty. While defense collaboration treaties between the U.S. and Kuwait might have clauses ensuring that U.S. military personnel are governed solely by their own country’s legal framework, this protection probably does not extend to contractors.
Since President Donald Trump Upon returning to the White House, President Trump’s Republican administration has facilitated the release of American schoolteacher Marc Fogel through a prisoner exchange with Russia. Additionally, they have reported the liberation of another incarcerated U.S. citizen by Belarus.
The individuals who were freed on Wednesday have not been classified by the U.S. government as wrongful detainees. This designation typically applies to a specific group of Americans imprisoned overseas and usually means their cases will be managed by the administration’s special presidential envoy for hostage affairs—the division responsible for negotiating releases.
However, supporters of individuals imprisoned abroad remain optimistic that the Trump administration will adopt a more accommodating stance and facilitate the release of those who are not considered wrongly detained.
"The unfortunate truth is that these Americans spent years in prison because of a flawed policy that, prior to President Trump taking office, had essentially forsaken those held overseas who weren’t officially recognized as wrongful detainees," Franks stated.
These announcements," he said, "highlight what can be accomplished when the U.S. government makes it a priority to bring American citizens back home.
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Gambrell filed his report from Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
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