At least one American has been detained by the Taliban after being accused of proselytizing Christianity in Afghanistan, as part of a long-term mission associated with the Switzerland-based nonprofit International Assistance Mission.
The question is, did Joe Biden’s decision to pay a ransom to Iran for hostages encourage more kidnappings in the hope to extort the feckless American President?
The Taliban closed IAM’s office in two separate raids, according to Townhall.
The NGO stated that two Afghan nationals and one international team member were detained, while Townhall reported that an American worker plus 18 others were captured in a raid on the IAM office in Lal wa Sarjangal, Ghor province.
The group’s leaders are currently “unaware of the circumstances” leading to the detainment and have not been informed of its reason.
“The well-being and security of our colleagues are paramount to us, and we are doing everything possible to ensure their safety and secure their swift release,” they said in their statement.
Three members of the group were reportedly apprehended in the first raid of the office, with the remaining ten being taken into custody 10 days later.
The Taliban initially indicated that they had arrested these individuals for “propagating and promoting Christianity”, which was later confirmed by the U.S. State Department.
In response to this incident, a travel advisory warning was issued stating that all areas of Afghanistan are unsafe and there is a high risk of kidnapping or violence against U.S. citizens in Afghanistan.
The International Association of Medical Students (IAM) has written to the Ministry of Economy, where it is officially registered as an international NGO.
In partnership with the United Nations and ACBAR, which serves as a coordinating body for NGOs in Afghanistan, they are looking into the circumstances surrounding their 18 colleagues and working towards securing their quick release.
“We stand by the principle that ‘aid will not be used to further a particular political or religious standpoint.’ All IAM staff agree to abide by the laws of Afghanistan,” the nonprofit added.
This organization, registered in Geneva, Switzerland, was established in 1966 and has been operating solely in Afghanistan. It functions as a partnership between Afghans and international Christian volunteers.
