Kuwait has released a group of American prisoners, including veterans and military contractors who were jailed for years on drug-related charges, in a gesture of goodwill between the two allies. The release comes after a recent visit by Adam Boehler, the Trump administration’s top hostage envoy, and as part of ongoing efforts by the U.S. government to bring home American citizens jailed in foreign countries. Six of the prisoners were flown from Kuwait to New York with the help of a consultant who works on cases involving American hostages. The Kuwaiti government did not acknowledge the release, but it is common for Muslim-majority nations to release prisoners during Ramadan.
Kuwait is a major non-NATO ally of the United States, and the two countries have a close military partnership. However, Kuwait has detained American military contractors on drug charges, with some facing years in prison. Families have alleged abuse and unfair treatment, with some accusing Kuwaiti police of manufacturing evidence against them. The State Department warns that drug charges in Kuwait can carry severe penalties, including the death penalty.
Since President Trump took office, his administration has secured the release of various American citizens imprisoned abroad. While the released prisoners from Kuwait were not designated as wrongfully detained, advocates hope that the Trump administration will continue to prioritize bringing Americans home. The releases demonstrate what can be achieved when the U.S. government focuses on this goal, according to those involved in the cases.
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