NEW: Trump Administration Notches Another Massive Victory

President Donald Trump notched another significant foreign policy victory on Thursday, securing the release of an American hostage held against their will for more than two years.

Since 2022, George Glezmann, a 65-year-old citizen, had been held by the Taliban after traveling to Afghanistan as a tourist. His release was secured as part of U.S. discussions with Qatar and was quickly celebrated by the president in an announcement.

“George Glezmann is free. George was wrongfully detained in Afghanistan for two and a half years, but now he’s on his way to be reunited with his wife Aleksandra. Welcome home, George!” Secretary of State Marco Rubio wrote on social media on behalf of the administration.

A diplomatic source told Fox News that Glezmann departed the Kabul airport on Wednesday on his way to Doha, the capital of Qatar, where he will be met by U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler along with a team from the Qatari Foreign Ministry.

Negotiations to free Glezmann began when Boehler met for direct talks with the Afghan foreign ministry and Qatari officials. Leaders of both Middle Eastern nations have maintained diplomatic ties since the Taliban seized control of the country, while the U.S. has not.

The diplomatic source described the Taliban’s release of Glezmann as a “good will” gesture that relies on the “trust” they have built up with Qatari officials who continue to act as intermediaries between Washington and Kabul.

“I can’t wait to see George and help him on his road to recovery as we rebuild our lives,” said Glezmann’s wife Aleksandra.

“Since the first day of the Trump administration his team has focused on securing George’s safe release. The skill and dedication demonstrated by Secretary Rubio, Mr. Waltz, and Mr. Boehler has been refreshing,” she added. “It is clear to us that their dedication to the American people is unwavering.”

The American’s release differs markedly from several secured by former President Joe Biden during the final days of his presidency. Ryan Corbett and William Mckenty, both of whom were in the Taliban’s custody, were released in January in exchange for a Taliban member imprisoned in the U.S.

Speaking with Fox after arriving statewide, Glezmann described the feeling of setting foot back home like being “born again.”

“I’m in debt with the president, President Trump. Thank God he’s in the White House where he’s at,” he said, thanking Secretary Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz as well.

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In a statement of their own, the Taliban called the release of their former prisoner as a “significant step in rebuilding diplomatic engagement.”

“Continued discussions could pave the way for broader political and economic cooperation between the two countries,” the group added.

Rubio praised Qatar for its “steadfast commitment and diplomatic efforts” that he said were “instrumental in securing George’s release,” according to ABC.

“George’s release is a positive and constructive step,” Rubio said. “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.”