Kuwait frees American prisoners in gesture of goodwill
Kuwait has released several American prisoners, including veterans and military contractors who had been jailed on drug-related charges for years. This move is seen as a gesture of goodwill between the two allies. A representative for the detainees informed The Associated Press of this development.
The release has occurred following a recent visit to the region by Adam Boehler, the Trump administration’s top hostage envoy, and aligns with the ongoing efforts of the US government to bring home American citizens imprisoned in foreign countries.
Six of the newly freed prisoners were accompanied by Jonathan Franks, a private consultant who works on cases involving American hostages and detainees, during their flight from Kuwait to New York. Franks had been in the country to assist in their release.
Franks expressed gratitude to the Kuwaiti government and emphasized that his clients maintain their innocence. He also mentioned that additional Americans he represents are expected to be released by Kuwait in the future.
Neither the State Department nor the names of the released prisoners have been disclosed
Kuwait, a United States major non-NATO ally, has a close military partnership with the US. This relationship dates back to the 1991 Gulf War, when American troops were stationed in the country.
However, Kuwait has also detained American military contractors for drug charges, raising concerns about their treatment in prison. The State Department warns travelers about the severe consequences of drug offenses in the country.
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, his administration has secured the release of a few Americans held abroad, including Marc Fogel in a prisoner swap with Russia and a citizen released by Belarus.
The Americans released on Wednesday were not designated as “wrongfully detained;” however, advocates for those held in foreign countries hope that the Trump administration will take a more flexible approach in securing releases beyond these cases.
Jonathan Franks highlighted that this release demonstrates the positive outcomes achievable when the US government prioritizes bringing Americans home.
The release has occurred following a recent visit to the region by Adam Boehler, the Trump administration’s top hostage envoy, and aligns with the ongoing efforts of the US government to bring home American citizens imprisoned in foreign countries.
Six of the newly freed prisoners were accompanied by Jonathan Franks, a private consultant who works on cases involving American hostages and detainees, during their flight from Kuwait to New York. Franks had been in the country to assist in their release.
Franks expressed gratitude to the Kuwaiti government and emphasized that his clients maintain their innocence. He also mentioned that additional Americans he represents are expected to be released by Kuwait in the future.
Neither the State Department nor the names of the released prisoners have been disclosed
Kuwait, a United States major non-NATO ally, has a close military partnership with the US. This relationship dates back to the 1991 Gulf War, when American troops were stationed in the country.
However, Kuwait has also detained American military contractors for drug charges, raising concerns about their treatment in prison. The State Department warns travelers about the severe consequences of drug offenses in the country.
Since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, his administration has secured the release of a few Americans held abroad, including Marc Fogel in a prisoner swap with Russia and a citizen released by Belarus.
The Americans released on Wednesday were not designated as “wrongfully detained;” however, advocates for those held in foreign countries hope that the Trump administration will take a more flexible approach in securing releases beyond these cases.
Jonathan Franks highlighted that this release demonstrates the positive outcomes achievable when the US government prioritizes bringing Americans home.
