The Taliban rulers of Afghanistan have released 2 American citizens from their captivity.
It was an apparent goodwill gesture as there was no swapping of prisoners or exchange of money, the US government said.
The two released Americans reached Qatar on 20 December 2022 before being reunited with families, according to US media reports.
US State Department spokesperson Ned Price did not identify the released Americans, and said that they are being given appropriate assistance.
The Taliban move came amid severe backlash from Western countries over its decision to ban women students from private and public universities in Afghanistan.