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The US could release an Afghan drug lord to the Taliban in exchange for their last American hostage - but only if they provide a confirmation of life.
Drug lord Bashir Noorzai, who is a top figure in the Pashtun tribe which elusive Taliban Supreme Commander Hibatullah Akhundzada belongs, has been held in a federal prison for the last 16 years.
He travelled to the US in 2005 under the pretext of diplomatic talks, but upon arrival he was arrested by the DEA for his role in a global heroin trade.
President Biden could release an Afghan drug lord to the Taliban in exchange for their last American hostage - but only if they provide a confirmation of life
And now, Newsweek reports that President Biden is prepared to swap Noorzai with the Taliban in exchange for Mark Frerichs, who was the last American to be taken hostage by the group.
Frerichs was taken hostage by the Taliban in January last year by a group believed to be associated with the Haqqani network - who are a militia group positioned on the Afghanistan-Pakistan border and who are aligned with the Taliban.
Speaking to the publication, a government official, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'We are eager to explore ways to bring Frerichs back. But these explorations are predicated on receiving a recent proof of life. The bottom line is that any progress moving forward lies in receiving a proof of life.'
A swap deal involving Frerichs and Noorzai has been welcomed by Charlene Cakora, who is Frerichs' sister.
Drug lord Bashir Noorzai (pictured), who is a top figure in the Pashtun tribe which elusive
