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US and Qatar secure release of American citizen Amir Amiry from Afghanistan detention

US and Qatar secure release of American citizen Amir Amiry from Afghanistan detention

The U.S. secured the release of an American citizen being detained in Afghanistan following months of negotiations on Sunday, Fox News has learned. The U.S. and Qatar jointly negotiated for the release of Amir Amiry, U.S. Special Envoy Adam Boehler told Fox News on Sunday. “When we went to Kabul to pick up George Glezmann six months ago, I asked to see Amir Amiry. He was brought to the airport gate and when he saw us he started to cry. Leaving an American was the hardest thing that I have ever done in my life and I promised him that we would come back for him,” Boehler told Fox. “Amir Amiry became a citizen by putting his life at risk fighting for our country and our troops. Today we repay the favor. God bless America and God bless the President,” Boehler added. AFGHANISTAN MARKS FOUR YEARS IN POWER BY LURING YOUNG FEMALE INFLUENCERS TO BOOST TOURISM “Throughout Mr. Amiry’s detention, Qatari diplomats remained in close communication with US officials and carried out regular health checks to ensure his wellbeing,” a source familiar with Amiri’s detention told Fox News. AFGHANISTAN MARKS FOUR YEARS IN POWER BY LURING YOUNG FEMALE INFLUENCERS TO BOOST TOURISM “His release was facilitated by Qatari diplomats in close coordination with the team of the US Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, through Qatar’s role as the United States’ protecting power in Afghanistan,” the source added. Secretary of State Marco Rubio celebrated Amiry’s release, thanking Qatar in an X post Sunday afternoon. “Today we welcome home Amir Amiry, an American who was wrongfully detained in Afghanistan. I want to thank Qatar for helping secure his freedom,” Rubio said. “@POTUS has made it clear we will not stop until every American unjustly detained abroad is back home.” Amiry’s release comes roughly a week after the Taliban released an elderly British couple after eight months in captivity. Barbie Reynolds, 76, and husband Peter Reynolds, 80, arrived in Qatar on Friday following months of negotiations between Qatar, the Taliban and Britain.   The couple had lived in Afghanistan for 18 years, where they ran an education charity. Despite the ordeal, Barbie Reynolds said they would return to Afghanistan if they could. They are both Afghan citizens. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “God is good, as they say in Afghanistan,” she added at the Kabul airport. Fox News’ Brie Stimson contributed to this report

Eric Adams drops out of NYC mayoral race as Mamdani gains ground

Eric Adams drops out of NYC mayoral race as Mamdani gains ground

New York City Mayor Eric Adams dropped out of the city’s mayoral race on Sunday, halting his re-election campaign just five weeks before Election Day. Adams announced his decision in a nearly nine-minute video posted on social media, offering no clues about his plans after leaving office. ZOHRAN MAMDANI LANDS KEY ENDORSEMENT IN NEW YORK CITY MAYORAL RACE “It’s been an honor to be your mayor,” Adams said in his announcement, as he highlighted what he described as achievements related to crime reduction, housing affordability and economic recovery during his time in office. “And yet despite all that we have achieved, I cannot continue my re-election campaign,” he said, adding that he was unable to raise the funds for a “serious campaign.”  The move followed weeks of speculation he might clear the way for former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in a contest where Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, has gained momentum. NEW POLL REVEALS MAMDANI STILL HOLDS COMMANDING DOUBLE-DIGIT LEAD OVER RIVALS IN NYC MAYORAL RACE Adams has also trailed both Mamdani and Cuomo significantly in campaign fundraising and spending.  Mamdani framed Adams’ exit as a pivotal moment, pledging that voters in November will “turn the page on the politics of big money and small ideas.” “Donald Trump and his billionaire donors might be able to determine Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo’s actions but they will not dictate the results of this election,” Mamdani wrote in a statement.  Meanwhile, Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa’s campaign framed him as the strongest challenger to Mamdani. “Curtis Sliwa is the only candidate who can defeat Mamdani. Our team, our resources, and our funding are unmatched,” campaign spokesperson Daniel Kurzyna wrote in a statement.  Cuomo said he believed Adams’ decision was “sincere in putting the well-being of New York City ahead of personal ambition.” “Mayor Adams has much to be proud of in his accomplishments. Whatever differences we may have, Eric Adams’ story is undeniably one of resilience, a testament to the spirit of this city,” Cuomo added. Adams’ exit comes as New York City eyes the potential election of 33-year-old democratic socialist upstart Mamdani. Mamdani’s ascent has drawn national notice: President Donald Trump told reporters earlier this month he’d “like to see two people drop out” of the NYC mayoral race to improve the chances of beating Mamdani. CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST FOX NEWS COVERAGE OF THE NEW YORK CITY MAYORAL SHOWDOWN The Trump administration has slammed Mamdani’s economic agenda, casting it as a threat to business and growth. The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. Mamdani has placed affordability at the center of his campaign to lead America’s largest city, pitching ideas such as free buses, city-owned grocery stores, and rent freezes for tenants in rent-stabilized apartments.  Those proposals have energized progressive voters but rattled Wall Street, where executives warn they could drive investment out of New York and weaken the city’s tax base. TREASURY’S BESSENT WARNS NYC: NO BAILOUT UNDER MAMDANI – ‘DROP DEAD’ Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday that Mamdani’s proposals risk driving New York City into financial crisis, warning that if the city turns to Washington for a bailout, it won’t receive one. “You can’t enact policies like this and expect to be bailed out,” Bessent said during an interview with FOX Business’ Maria Bartiromo on “Mornings with Maria.” CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP “And are you going to give them that bailout?” Bartiromo pressed. “It will be the same thing that Gerald Ford said. Drop dead,” Bessent said.

Eric Adams drops out of New York City mayoral race

Eric Adams drops out of New York City mayoral race

New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced Sunday that he is dropping out of the city’s mayoral race on Sunday. Adams’ announcement, first reported by the New York Post before he posted a message on social media, comes as the mayor was trailing both Democratic and Republican contenders. This is a developing story. Check back soon for updates.

Hamas tells Israel to cease Gaza City attacks as captives’ lives in danger

Hamas tells Israel to cease Gaza City attacks as captives’ lives in danger

Israeli tanks are advancing in Tal al-Hawa, Sabra and other neighbourhoods of Gaza City in their ground invasion. Published On 28 Sep 202528 Sep 2025 Click here to share on social media share2 Share Hamas has issued what it calls a “warning” that the lives of two captives held in Gaza City are in danger as Israeli tanks push deeper inside several neighbourhoods of the besieged urban centre, where tens of thousands of Palestinians are trapped by Israel’s ground invasion and bombardment. The Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Palestinian group, said on Sunday that contact has been lost with fighters holding Omri Miran and Matan Angrest after “brutal military operations and violent targeting in the Sabra and Tal al-Hawa neighbourhoods during the last 48 hours”. Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of list “The lives of the two captives are in real danger, and the occupation forces must immediately withdraw to the south of Road 8 and halt aerial sorties for 24 hours starting from 18:00 this evening (15:00 GMT), until an attempt is made to extract the two prisoners,” it said. Hamas released a “farewell picture” of captives in Gaza this month in another attempt to stop the Israeli army as it systematically destroys Gaza City and displaces hundreds of thousands of starving Palestinians once again. Israel said 48 captives remain in Gaza, 20 of whom are alive. But the country has refused to stop the war despite being increasingly accused of committing genocide and as Israeli families call and protest for a comprehensive deal to end the war and bring back all captives. Their pleas have not been heeded by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right government, and relatives and supporters are blaming the government for their prolonged captivity. Advertisement The political wing of Hamas said in a statement earlier on Sunday that the group has not received any new ceasefire or peace proposals from mediators Qatar and Egypt, even as United States President Donald Trump continues to predict an imminent ceasefire, which he has done several times in recent weeks. The group confirmed that negotiations remain halted after Israel tried to assassinate top Hamas leaders in Doha on September 9 as they gathered to review a new ceasefire proposal presented by Trump. But Hamas said it is “ready to study any proposal from the brother mediators with positivity and responsibility, in a manner that preserves the national rights of our people”. Far-right Israeli ministers said on Sunday that they oppose a 21-point plan presented by Trump and any other deal that would put an end to the war before eliminating Hamas. In a post on X, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said: “Mr. Prime Minister, you have no mandate to end the war without a decisive defeat of Hamas.” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said he would “never agree to a Palestinian state – even if it is difficult, even if it has a price, and even if it takes time”. More than 66,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the start of the war in October 2023, according to the enclave’s Ministry of Health. Dozens more Palestinians were killed in air strikes and shelling or while seeking aid on Sunday, including a child in a bombardment of the Sabra neighbourhood. Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis city reported an infant died due to malnutrition and inadequate medical treatment. Israeli tanks are also inching closer towards the al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, which used to be the largest medical complex in Gaza but now lies mostly in ruins after several previous Israeli sieges. Muhammad Abu Salmiya, director of the hospital, said on Sunday that his team is committed to keeping the facility running as long as possible as patients and displaced people are sheltering there. Adblock test (Why?)

Denmark bans drone flights after latest drone sightings at military bases

Denmark bans drone flights after latest drone sightings at military bases

Drone sorties over past week have caused the temporary closures of several Danish airports, raising security concerns amid war in Ukraine. Denmark has barred civilian drones from its airspace before a European Union Summit, following reported sightings of drones at several military locations overnight on Saturday. The Nordic country has been on alert following a string of drone incidents over the past week, which have led to the closure of several airports. The ban will remain in place from Monday through Friday of the coming week, when Denmark, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU for the second half of this year, will be hosting European leaders. Recommended Stories list of 4 itemsend of list “We are currently in a difficult security situation, and we must ensure the best possible working conditions for the armed forces and the police when they are responsible for security during the EU summit,” Defence Minister Troels Lund Poulsen said in a statement on Sunday. Police officers stand guard after all traffic was closed at the Copenhagen Airport due to drone sightings on September 22, 2025. [Ritzau Scanpix/Steven Knap/Reuters] In a statement earlier in the day, the country’s Ministry of Defence said it had “several capacities deployed” after the drone sighting, without elaborating on the deployment, the number of drones or the locations. The latest incident comes a day after the NATO military alliance announced it was upgrading its mission in the Baltic Sea with an air defence frigate in response to the drone incursion in Denmark. In a statement sent to the Reuters news agency, NATO said it would “conduct even more enhanced vigilance with new multi-domain assets in the Baltic Sea region”. Advertisement It added that the new assets included “intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance platforms and at least one air-defence frigate”. Copenhagen Airport was closed on Monday for several hours after several large drones were observed in its airspace. In the days that followed, five smaller Danish airports, both civilian and military, were also shut temporarily. ‘A hybrid attack’ The Danish transportation ministry said “all civilian drone flying in Danish airspace will be prohibited … to remove the risk that enemy drones can be confused with legal drones and vice versa. “We cannot accept that foreign drones create uncertainty and disturbances in society, as we have experienced recently. At the same time, Denmark will host EU leaders in the coming week, where we will have extra focus on security,” Danish Minister for Transport Thomas Danielsen said in a statement. “A violation of the prohibition can result in a fine or imprisonment for up to two years,” according to the statement. Denmark will host EU leaders on Wednesday, followed by a summit on Thursday of the wider, 47-member European Political Community, set up to unite the EU with other friendly European countries after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Denmark has called the drones part of a “hybrid attack”. It has stopped short of saying definitively who it believes is responsible, but Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen has suggested it could be Moscow, calling Russia the primary “country that poses a threat to European security”. The Kremlin denies blame. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said last week that Russian involvement could not be ruled out – an accusation that Moscow has already rejected. A German air defence frigate arrived in Copenhagen on Sunday to assist with airspace surveillance during the high-profile events. Meanwhile, the incursions come at the same time Estonia accused Russia last week of three MiG-31 fighter jets violating its airspace for 12 minutes before NATO Italian fighter jets escorted them out. However, Russia has also denied that its jets have violated Estonia’s airspace. Speaking at the UN on Saturday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov hit out at accusations from the West, blaming it for scaremongering about the possibility of a “third world war”. “Russia is being accused of almost planning to attack NATO and EU countries. President [Vladimir] Putin has repeatedly debunked these provocations,” he said. Adblock test (Why?)