Washington Vows 'Severe Consequences' For Wrongful Detention Of U.S. Citizens Abroad

The U.S. Embassy for Afghanistan has warned against the use of American citizens as bargaining tools, following President Donald Trump's new executive order. Chargé d'affaires Dan Brown said such detentions would carry“severe consequences,” underscoring Washington's determination to end what it calls hostage diplomacy.

Reuters reported that Trump signed the decree on Sunday, granting the State Department authority to classify governments and groups that wrongfully detain Americans as“sponsors of illegal detention.” Once listed, those entities could face sanctions, visa bans, and cuts in foreign assistance. The White House stressed the order also applies to non-state actors such as the Taliban.

The Taliban have in recent years detained American citizens and later released some in exchange for concessions. The case of Mahmoud Shah Habibi, an Afghan-American and former head of Afghanistan's Civil Aviation Authority, remains unresolved. U.S. officials say he is still held by the Taliban, though the group denies responsibility.

In a statement on X, Brown described the order as an unprecedented step to protect Americans abroad. He warned that any attempt to use a U.S. citizen as leverage“will meet severe consequences.” Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed the message, saying anyone who treats Americans as bargaining chips“will pay the price.”

The FBI earlier this year issued a missing person notice for Habibi, offering up to $5 million for information leading to his recovery. According to Reuters, Taliban sources linked his detention to the killing of al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri and alleged CIA connections to a company where Habibi worked. Despite repeated appeals, he has not been released.

Rights groups say unlawful detention is on the rise worldwide. The Foley Foundation estimates at least 54 U.S. citizens were wrongfully held in 17 countries during 2024. The administration argues the new measures are necessary to deter such practices and to increase pressure on foreign governments and armed groups.

The Trump administration has made the release of Americans a centerpiece of its foreign policy. Sebastian Gorka, Trump's counterterrorism adviser, said that in less than seven months the government had secured the freedom of at least 72 Americans held overseas. Officials insist the new order signals a“zero tolerance” approach to hostage diplomacy.

Whether these measures will compel groups like the Taliban to cooperate remains uncertain. Yet Washington hopes that by linking wrongful detentions to sanctions and diplomatic isolation, the policy will reduce risks for U.S. citizens abroad and demonstrate America's resolve.

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