Kuwait Frees a Group of Jailed Americans

W
ASHINGTON — In a noteworthy gesture of goodwill, Kuwait has announced the release of several American detainees, including military veterans and contractors who had been imprisoned for extended periods on drug-related offenses. This development was confirmed by a representative for the detainees in a statement to The Associated Press on Wednesday.

This release follows a recent diplomatic visit to the region by Adam Boehler, the top hostage envoy under the Trump administration, and aligns with ongoing efforts by the U.S. government to secure the return of American citizens held abroad.

Six of the individuals who were released traveled from Kuwait to New York on a flight accompanied by Jonathan Franks, a private consultant specializing in cases involving American hostages and detainees. Franks had been in Kuwait to assist in negotiating their release.

“My clients and their families are thankful to the Kuwaiti government for this kind act of compassion,” Franks expressed in a statement.

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He went on to state that his clients assert their innocence and mentioned that more Americans he represents are also anticipated to be released by Kuwait in the near future.

The U.S. State Department has yet to respond to inquiries regarding the matter, and the identities of the released prisoners have not been disclosed at this time.

Kuwait, a small but wealthy nation bordering Iraq and Saudi Arabia and located near Iran, is recognized as a major non-NATO ally of the United States. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently reaffirmed this alliance, stating that the U.S. “remains unwavering in its support for Kuwait’s sovereignty and the welfare of its citizens.”

The military partnership between the two countries has been strong since the U.S.-led Gulf War in 1991, which aimed to oust Iraqi forces following Saddam Hussein’s invasion. Currently, approximately 13,500 American troops are stationed in Kuwait at Camp Arifjan and Ali al-Salem Air Base.

However, Kuwait has also been known to detain numerous American military contractors on drug-related charges, with some facing years of incarceration. Families of these detainees have reported claims of mistreatment in a country with stringent drug laws and strict prohibitions against alcohol.

Critics have voiced their concerns over Kuwaiti law enforcement’s alleged practice of fabricating charges and evidence against detainees — claims that the authoritarian regime has never publicly acknowledged.

The State Department cautions travelers that drug offenses in Kuwait could result in lengthy prison sentences or even the death penalty. While defense cooperation agreements between the U.S. and Kuwait likely ensure that U.S. troops are governed by American laws, this may not extend to contractors.

Since President Donald Trump took office, his administration has successfully facilitated the release of American teacher Marc Fogel in a prisoner exchange with Russia and announced the release of another U.S. citizen imprisoned in Belarus.

The individuals released on Wednesday had not been classified by the U.S. government as wrongfully detained. This designation typically applies to a specific group of Americans imprisoned overseas and usually ensures that their cases are managed by the administration’s special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, the office that oversees negotiations for their release.

Nevertheless, advocates for those held abroad are optimistic that the Trump administration will adopt a more flexible stance, leading to the release of individuals not categorized as wrongfully detained.

“The unfortunate reality is that these Americans languished in prison for years due to a misguided policy that, prior to President Trump’s administration, effectively neglected Americans abroad who were not designated as wrongfully detained,” Franks remarked in a statement.