The mastermind behind the Taliban's takeover of Kabul was released from Guantanamo Bay under Barack Obama's presidency in 2014 despite resistance from the Pentagon, it has been revealed. Khairullah Khairkhwa was one of five Taliban commanders released from the detention camp off the coast of Cuba by Obama in exchange for American soldier Bowe Bergdahl. He stayed in Guantanamo Bay for 12 years before being released as part of the Taliban Five by President Barack Obama in 2014 in exchange for US prisoner Bowe Bergdahl. But just 12 years later Obama released him and four others - Abdul Haq Wasiq, Norullah Noori, Mohammad Fazl and Mohammad Nabi Omari. They were the only prisoners sent to Guantanamo for life that have ever been released without the parole board's clearance.

Source: Daily Mail August 17, 2021 14:37 UTC