'Terrorist tactics': Why the US designated Afghanistan as ‘State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention’

Kabul is the second to receive this designation. The first was Iran on February 27, a day before the US and Israel launched their joint military operation.

Updated on: Mar 10, 2026, 07:24:14 IST

Edited by Danita Yadav

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The United States on Monday announced that it has designated Afghanistan as a “State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention”. In a statement issued by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, the US has hit out at the Taliban regime for their wrongful kidnapping of American citizens.

Secretary Rubio accused the Taliban of using "terrorist tactics, kidnapping individuals for ransom or to seek policy concessions." (AP)

“Today, I am designating Afghanistan as a State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention. The Taliban continue to use terrorist tactics to seek policy concessions, but it won’t work under this administration,” Marco Rubio wrote on X.

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In an official memo issued by the US State Department, Secretary Rubio accused the Taliban of using "terrorist tactics, kidnapping individuals for ransom or to seek policy concessions."

"These despicable tactics need to end," said Rubio.

"It is not safe for Americans to travel to Afghanistan because the Taliban continues to unjustly detain our fellow Americans and other foreign nationals," the statement continued, calling for the release of Dennis Coyle, Mahmoud Habibi "and all Americans unjustly detained in Afghanistan now and commit to cease the practice of hostage diplomacy forever."

Kabul is the second country to receive this designation. The first was Iran on February 27, a day before the US and Israel launched their joint military operation against the Islamic Republic.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Danita Yadav
Danita Yadav is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times. Based in New Delhi, Danita serves as a pivotal voice in international reportage in the team. Operating under the mandate of delivering "without the noise", Danita excels at distilling complex geopolitical developments into lucid, objective narratives which prioritise factual accuracy over sensationalism. In HT, Danita has been recognised for her breaking news efforts and time-bound coverage of the Air India crash, which has driven over 2 million users to the website through trusted, factual coverage of the incident. Thriving in high-pressure editorial environments, Danita has also cultivated a reputation for navigating the nuances of global diplomacy and cross-border policy. With over four years of experience in the journalism industry, Danita has spent her years diving deep into the coverage of international relations and global conflicts. She has previously worked with the news teams at Outlook India and Times Network, covering a wide range of beats and topics, from education curricula and student protests to Indian politics and international conflicts such as the Ukraine, Gaza, and Sudan wars. Danita earned her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from Kamala Nehru College, University of Delhi. Beyond the newsroom and her love for international relations, you'll find Danita 'geeking' out over books, music and BTS. Her appreciation for global pop culture and storytelling also added to her unique perspective on the "soft power" dynamics that increasingly have shaped international relations in the ever-changing global order.Read More

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