US censures Afghanistan over detention of Americans, warns of possible travel ban

The United States has formally censured Afghanistan’s Taliban authorities over the detention of American citizens, warning the move could lead to restrictions on US passport holders travelling to the country.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Monday that Afghanistan’s Taliban government had been designated a “state sponsor of wrongful detention”, accusing it of holding Americans to extract concessions.

In a statement, Rubio demanded that Kabul release all detained US citizens, including Mahmood Habibi and Dennis Coyle.

“The Taliban continues to use terrorist tactics, kidnapping individuals for ransom or to seek policy concessions,” Rubio said, adding that Americans faced an unacceptable risk of unjust detention in Afghanistan.

He warned that if the situation does not change, Washington could impose restrictions preventing US passport holders from travelling to the country.

Possible passport restrictions under consideration

US officials said the designation could pave the way for travel restrictions similar to those currently imposed on visits to North Korea. Under such measures, American passports cannot be used to enter the country without special permission.

Two sources familiar with the matter also said the United States was seeking the return of the remains of Paul Overby, an author who disappeared near the Afghanistan–Pakistan border in 2014.

Rubio previously issued the same “wrongful detention” designation against Iran on February 27, following an executive order signed by US President Donald Trump in September.

While Rubio warned at the time that travel to Iran could also be restricted because of detained Americans, no such limits have yet been imposed.

Taliban deny holding one detainee

The Taliban administration has previously rejected claims that it is holding Habibi, who formerly headed Afghanistan’s civil aviation authority.

The government in Afghanistan did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the US designation.

Earlier on Monday, CBS News reported that Washington was considering the move before it was officially announced.