Aussie Ex-Hostage Timothy Weeks Passes Away in Afghanistan
Timothy Weeks, an Australian academic and former hostage, has died in Afghanistan after a long battle with cancer
Timothy Weeks, Afghanistan, Kabul, Taliban, Cancer
Kabul: Timothy Weeks, an Australian academic and former Taliban hostage, has sadly passed away in Afghanistan after a long fight with cancer. Afghan officials confirmed the news, saying he had been struggling with the illness for quite some time.
Back in 2016, Timothy was kidnapped from the American University in Kabul. During his more than three years in captivity, he converted to Islam and took on the name Jibra’il Omar.
He was released in a prisoner swap in 2019 but returned to Afghanistan in 2022 to commemorate the Taliban’s takeover anniversary. Up until his death, he was teaching English in Kabul.
The Afghan interior ministry expressed their condolences, noting that he had been fond of Afghanistan and had traveled around to deepen his understanding of Islam.
Timothy had even praised the Taliban for their strict moral codes since they took over in 2021, despite the dire situation for many Afghans, especially women and children.
In a heartfelt tribute, senior Taliban official Anas Haqqani reflected on their shared experiences, emphasizing the bond they formed during their time together.
It’s a tragic end to a complex story, and his journey through Afghanistan will be remembered by many.