He’s back home in the United States. Ryan Corbett, the Dansville man held captive in Afghanistan for more than two years, reunited with his family in San Antonio, Texas on Wednesday.
Corbett and his family left Afghanistan when American forces withdrew in 2021. He returned a year later to salvage what was left of his business and pay his employees when he was unlawfully detained. Anna Corbett said her husband was being held in a basement cell without regular access to a bathroom, sunlight, or medical care. Other Westerners who had been released from the prison where Ryan was being held reported that he was in deteriorating health. Ryan’s family had been fighting for his release in silence but in early 2024 decided to go public because of fears for his life.
After 894 days of being held captive, Ryan Corbett received word on Monday that he was headed home in a prisoner exchange.
His family released this statement on its website:
“We are profoundly grateful to President Donald Trump, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, and incoming Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler for their efforts, even before taking office, to help bring Ryan home. We also thank President Biden, former Secretary of State Blinken, former Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens and his extraordinary team, including Jacob Hernandez, for their tireless work and steadfast dedication to bringing Ryan back to us. We are also grateful to former members of the National Security Council, including former National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, Jennifer Daskal, Joshua Geltzer, David Cotter, and Chandler Yonge. The countless hours of negotiations, unwavering support, and determination demonstrated by all involved have not gone unnoticed, and we will forever hold this kindness in our hearts.”
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