American Christians are praying for the release of an aid worker incarcerated in a tiny basement cell in Afghanistan for the last two years.
Ryan Corbett, a humanitarian aid worker from a Baptist family in New York state, has been imprisoned in Kabul by the Taliban since August 2022.
The Times reports that his health has drastically deteriorated and he now suffers from conditions such as ‘crocodile skin’ and severe weight loss, to the extent that his wedding ring no longer fits. His captors have provided no explanation for his detention or his inhumane treatment.
For over a decade, Corbett had been a familiar and dedicated figure in Afghanistan, offering vital humanitarian aid. His detainment began after he was summoned to a police station in northern Afghanistan during a routine trip.
Anna Corbett, Ryan’s wife, has been tirelessly advocating for his release, expressing deep concern for his worsening condition. Ryan’s ailments include constant ear ringing, dimming eyesight, and severe mental distress.
Ryan is among several Americans held by the Taliban’s General Directorate of Intelligence since it seized power in 2021. Despite ongoing appeals and international pressure, the Taliban has not provided any charges or reasons for his imprisonment.
The family’s faith and community support remain their pillars of strength during this harrowing time.
Ryan’s father Drue Corbett was pastor of Springville Baptist Church, Susquehanna County, from 1990 to 1999. He and the rest of the Corbett family are praying both for his release and that the Biden administration would act more decisively to secure it.
Drue Corbett trusts God will help, but said: ‘God works through people. We are also asking our administration to actually do something. Stop having meetings and go get him. If we, I suppose the most powerful nation in the world, cannot go and rescue Americans being held there, then we don’t have much left.’
