January 30, 2022
1 min read

Biden demands release of last US hostage in Afghanistan

Biden said that the hostage-taking is an act of particular “cruelty and cowardice”…reports Asian Lite News

US President Joe Biden on Sunday (local time) called for the release of US Navy veteran Mark Frerichs, who was taken hostage by Taliban in Afghanistan nearly two years ago.

“Two years ago tomorrow, U.S. Navy veteran Mark Frerichs was taken hostage in Afghanistan. A civil engineer, he spent a decade helping the people of Afghanistan. He has done nothing wrong. And yet, for two years the Taliban has held him captive,” Biden said in a statement.

The statement said “Mark is a native of Illinois. A son. A brother. And his family has now endured two gut-wrenching years–praying for his safety, wondering where and how he is, aching for his return.”

Biden said that the hostage-taking is an act of particular “cruelty and cowardice”.

Afghan Taliban members patrol at a security checkpoint in Kunduz, northern Afghanistan, on Sept. 15, 2021. (Photo by Ajmal Kakar/Xinhua/IANS)

“Threatening the safety of Americans or any innocent civilians is always unacceptable, and hostage-taking is an act of particular cruelty and cowardice. The Taliban must immediately release Mark before it can expect any consideration of its aspirations for legitimacy. This is not negotiable,” read the statement.

“To Mark, and to all the Americans being held hostage and wrongfully detained overseas, and to all their families and friends who are enduring the nightmare of their absence: know that my administration will continue to work steadfastly until every American being unjustly held against their will comes home,” the statement added.

The Taliban took over control of Kabul on August 15 last year and following this the country has been battered by deepening economic, humanitarian and security crisis.

A combination of a suspension of foreign aid, the freezing of Afghan government assets, and international sanctions on the Taliban, have plunged the country, already suffering from high poverty levels, into a full-blown economic crisis. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Border tragedy: Cremation of Indian family likely in Canada

Previous Story

NATO rules out sending combat troops to Ukraine

Next Story

Global Covid caseload tops 374.3 mn

Latest from -Top News

Dubai tops global FinTech rankings

Dubai ranked among top four global FinTech hubs as DIFC drives innovation, investment, and talent growth, reaffirming the emirate’s role as a leading international financial centre. Dubai has been recognised as one

UAE leads BRICS digital trade push

UAE has showcased expertise in special economic zones at BRICS Dialogue 2025, highlighting strategic digital trade role, global connectivity, FDI growth, and partnerships with China and BRICS nations. The United Arab Emirates

Gulf powers inject $89m to stabilise Syria

Saudi Arabia and Qatar pledge $89 million to Syria, supporting public sector employees, essential services, and long-term recovery amid humanitarian crises and political transition….reports Asian Lite News Saudi Arabia and Qatar have

UAE hosts youth dialogue at UNGA80

UAE hosts Youth Dialogue at UNGA80, empowering global young leaders to shape climate, peace, digital equity, and education policies while strengthening inclusion in multilateral governance….reports Asian Lite News The UAE convened a

Abbas: Hamas has not future role in Gaza

PA President Mahmoud Abbas stated that Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people, calling for the release of all hostages and urging Hamas and other armed Gaza factions to disarm. Palestinian President
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Trump ramps up attacks on foreign aid

This move followed the collapse of a bipartisan agreement merging

‘War with US would be unbearable disaster’

Chinese Defence Minister says world was big enough for China