WASHINGTON, US President Joe Biden on Sunday called on the Taliban, who have controlled Afghanistan since August, to immediately release American Mark Frerichs, held captive by the group for two years now.

The US Navy veteran, a civil engineer, “spent a decade helping the people of Afghanistan. He has done nothing wrong,” the president said in a statement.

“Threatening the safety of Americans or any innocent civilians is always unacceptable, and hostage-taking is an act of particular cruelty and cowardice.

“The Taliban must immediately release Mark before it can expect any consideration of its aspirations for legitimacy. This is not negotiable,” he underlined.

“My administration will continue to work steadfastly until every American being unjustly held against their will comes home,” Biden added.

Source: Kuwait News Agency