Biden urges Taliban to release kidnapped American in 2020

US President Joe Biden on Sunday urged the Taliban, in power in Afghanistan, to release the American Mark Frerichs, who “they have been holding for two years”, as a prerequisite for them to move towards “legitimacy”. ”.

“The Taliban must immediately release Mark before any consideration of his claims to legitimacy. It is not negotiable,” Biden wrote, recalling that this Monday it will be “two years” since this US Navy veteran and civil engineer was kidnapped in Afghanistan.

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“Mark is an Illinois native. A son, a brother and their family endured two harrowing years.”the president added in a statement.

In August 2020, the FBI offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his return.

His kidnapping occurred in February 2020 as the United States and the Taliban entered the final phase of negotiations that led to a historic agreement on February 29 after 18 years of war.

Source: Elcomercio

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