Haji Najibullah convicted in New York for kidnapping American journalist and involvement in deadly attacks on US forces.
Image: BSS
A US federal court in New York has sentenced former Taliban commander Haji Najibullah to 42 years in prison for his role in hostage-taking and terrorism-related offences.
The 50-year-old was found guilty of kidnapping an American journalist and two Afghan nationals in Afghanistan and Pakistan between 2008 and 2009. He also admitted to leading Taliban fighters involved in attacks on US servicemembers, which resulted in the deaths of American soldiers.
Najibullah pleaded guilty in April 2025 to hostage-taking and providing material support for terrorism that led to deaths.
Prosecutors said his actions included orchestrating kidnappings and supporting violent operations against US forces during his time as a Taliban commander.
US officials described the sentencing as accountability for attacks targeting American citizens and military personnel. He will also serve five years of supervised release following his prison term.
