The Guardian is reporting that the United States has agreed "in principle" to release several Taliban figures from Guantanamo Bay following the Taliban's preliminary deal with Qatar to open a political office in Doha.
Several high-ranking officials are included among the detainees who would be released, The Guardian notes. Fox News reported last week that Mullah Mohammed Fazl, who was suspected of killing Shiite Muslims in Afghanistan, is among those being considered for release.
According to the Associated Press, the only U.S. soldier held by the Taliban is 25-year-old Bowe Bergdahl of Idaho, who was taken prisoner in 2009.
The Taliban opening a liaison office has become a central focus for the United States to begin peace talks with the organization, and could indicate the Taliban's possible willingness to begin negotiations.
"Right now, having a strong presence in Afghanistan, we still want to have a political office for negotiations," Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said, according to the Associated Press.
Releasing prisoners from Guantanamo would be a tricky operation. "To take this step, the [Obama] administration have to have sufficient confidence that the Taliban are going to reciprocate," former Obama administration advisor Vali Nasr told The Guardian.
To read The Guardian's report, click here.
Below, see photos of the Guantanamo Bay Camp VI.
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