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Washington, D.C. – House Foreign Affairs Committee Lead Republican Michael McCaul has released the following statement on news that U.S. Navy veteran Mark Frerichs, who has been held in captivity by the Taliban for almost two years, has been released.

“I welcome the news that U.S. Navy veteran Mark Frerichs has been released from Taliban captivity after nearly two years of being unlawfully held by the insurgent group. I look forward to being briefed on the details of the arrangement and any concessions the U.S government made to the Taliban to ensure his release. Freichs’ detention was one of many cruel acts committed by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the Biden administration’s failed unilateral withdrawal left hundreds of American citizens and tens of thousands of Afghan allies and partners at the mercy of the Taliban.”