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Canadian ex-soldier David Lavery has been released from Taliban custody after over two months of imprisonment in Afghanistan, following a deal facilitated by Qatar. Taliban authorities detained Lavery in Kabul in November 2024. He had previously made headlines in 2021 for his role in helping evacuate Afghans during the chaotic withdrawal of US and allied forces from the country.
“Lavery has been released and is now in Doha, Qatar,” a source with knowledge of the situation confirmed, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the negotiations. The source added that Lavery’s release was secured after the Canadian government made a request to Qatar for assistance.
Qatari mediators coordinated with senior Canadian officials and used their contacts in Afghanistan to arrange for a medical team to assess Lavery’s condition and provide care. They also facilitated communication between Lavery and his family. “After a breakthrough in the talks, Mr. Lavery is now in Doha with his family and underwent a medical evaluation upon his arrival,” the source added.
Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly confirmed Lavery’s release, saying on social media, “I just spoke with David Lavery upon his safe arrival in Qatar from Afghanistan. He is in good spirits.” She also expressed gratitude to Qatar for its role in securing his freedom.
Lavery, a veteran of the Canadian military with a background in the elite Joint Task Force 2 special operations unit, was involved in evacuating an estimated 100 Afghans from Kabul during the 2021 withdrawal. More recently, he had been running a private security firm in Kabul.
The release of Lavery follows a similar deal brokered by Qatar last week, which saw the Taliban free two US citizens, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, in exchange for an Afghan fighter, Khan Mohammed, held in the United States. Mohammed had been convicted of narco-terrorism by a US court. The Afghan foreign ministry described Mohammed as “an Afghan fighter” imprisoned in the US.
At least two other US citizens, former airline mechanic George Glezmann and naturalized American Mahmood Habibi, are believed to remain detained in Afghanistan.
Qatar has played a key role in facilitating diplomatic talks with the Taliban, hosting peace negotiations leading up to the 2021 US withdrawal and continuing to host dialogue between the Taliban and other parties, including Afghan discussions in June 2024.
