Kuwait has released another 10 American detainees, bringing the total number of Americans freed to nearly 23 in the past two months, according to U.S. officials. This marks the second release since March, following a series of diplomatic efforts by the U.S. to bring home detained citizens.
These releases represent the largest number of U.S. citizens freed by a single foreign country in recent years, according to The Associated Press.
The individuals released include both men and women, including military contractors and veterans who had been held on drug charges and other offenses in Kuwait. One detainee was reportedly coerced into signing a false confession and endured physical abuse, along with threats against his family.
The first batch of detainees, including 10 Americans, was released in March, shortly after a visit to Kuwait by Adam Boehler, who serves as the Trump administration’s envoy for hostage affairs.
Boehler explained that the U.S. had never before requested the release of Americans at this level, emphasizing the diplomatic effort involved.
He credited Kuwait for its responsiveness and pointed out that the country values its relationship with the U.S., recognizing the importance of bringing Americans home.
The release of these detainees was not part of a swap, and the U.S. was not required to give up anything in return. The Kuwaiti authorities acted as a gesture of goodwill, reflecting their ongoing relationship with the U.S. as a key ally in the region.
Kuwait has been a major non-NATO ally of the U.S., with a strong military partnership in place since the 1991 Gulf War, which saw U.S. troops deployed to expel Iraqi forces from Kuwait. Today, around 13,500 American troops are stationed at Camp Arifjan and Ali al-Salem Air Base in Kuwait.
Despite the positive diplomatic gesture, there have been ongoing concerns regarding the treatment of American military contractors in Kuwait.
Many of these contractors have faced charges related to drugs, with some spending years in detention. Families of the detainees have claimed that their loved ones faced mistreatment and abuse while in custody, citing strict laws on alcohol and drugs in Kuwait.
Additionally, there have been accusations that Kuwaiti police fabricated evidence and brought false charges against these individuals.
The Kuwaiti embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the situation.
Jonathan Franks, a private consultant representing some of the detainees, stated that the freed Americans maintained their innocence.
He highlighted that none of the cases involved identified victims, and the confessions were often obtained in Arabic without proper translation, raising concerns about the fairness of the legal process.
Frank credited the Trump administration for its commitment to bringing Americans home, even in cases where they had not been officially designated as wrongful detainees by the U.S. government.
One of the detainees released was Tony Holden, an HVAC technician and defense contractor who had been working in support of Camp Arifjan when he was arrested in November 2022.
His supporters claim he was set up by corrupt Kuwaiti police officers and that he had been coerced into signing a confession in Arabic. Despite testing negative for drugs and adhering to a religious abstinence from drugs and alcohol, Holden faced charges related to drug possession.
Holden’s supporters have long fought for his release, alleging that he was held unjustly for 902 days. Stacia George, the chief engagement officer of Global Reach, a nonprofit organization advocating for Holden, expressed relief at his release, saying it allowed him to return home and rebuild his life.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also expressed gratitude for Holden’s release, calling it a positive step in ensuring Americans are brought back from unjust detention.
In addition to the 10 individuals released on Wednesday, a minor is also set to be released in the coming days. However, the minor is expected to remain in Kuwait, according to U.S. officials.
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