US citizen George Glezmann has been freed after more than two years' detention in Afghanistan and is en route to Qatar, the US State Department and a source with knowledge of the release said on Thursday.
"Today, after two-and-a-half years of captivity in Afghanistan, Delta Airlines mechanic George Glezmann is on his way to be reunited with his wife, Aleksandra," a State Department statement said.
The release followed a meeting between US official Adam Boehler, who has been handling hostage affairs for the White House, and Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul.
"Following weeks of negotiations, a breakthrough was made by the Qataris during recent meetings with the Taliban," the source told AFP, adding that Boehler and Qatari officials were accompanying Glezmann on the flight.
In January, the Taliban released two US citizens from prison in return for an Afghan fighter held in the United States, in a deal also brokered by Qatar.