Kuwait Frees Additional American Detainees in Goodwill Gesture
By Eric Tucker, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — In a significant diplomatic move, Kuwait has released 10 more American detainees, raising the total to 23 freed over the past two months. This marks the largest release of U.S. citizens by a foreign nation in years. The detainees, including military contractors and veterans, were held on various charges, with some asserting their innocence and claiming to have endured coercive interrogations.
U.S. officials praised the releases as a gesture of goodwill, emphasizing that Kuwait acted without any reciprocal demands from the U.S. Adam Boehler, the Trump administration’s envoy for hostage affairs, noted that prior requests at this level had not been made. “The U.S. is a huge ally,” he stated, highlighting Kuwait’s understanding of the importance of repatriating American citizens.
Among those released was Tony Holden, an HVAC technician arrested in November 2022. His family claims he was falsely accused, coerced into signing a confession in Arabic, and threatened during his detention. Secretary of State Marco Rubio celebrated the release, affirming Holden’s innocence.
Kuwait, a key U.S. ally, continues to detain several American contractors, raising concerns over legal practices and treatment of detainees.
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