The Islamic Emirate has rejected the US accusation directed at the General Directorate of Intelligence regarding the arrest and disappearance of Mahmood Shah Habibi.

The deputy spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate Hamdullah Fitrat, said that based on a request from Habibi’s family, all institutions under the government were inspected, and no evidence was found suggesting he was detained by any of the governmental agencies.

This comes nearly three years after the disappearance of Mahmood Shah Habibi, an Afghan-American citizen, in Kabul.

Hamdullah Fitrat, the deputy spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, stated: "The Islamic Emirate strongly rejects the accusations by the United States that the General Directorate of Intelligence is responsible for the disappearance of an Afghan named Mahmood Shah Habibi. Relevant departments of the Islamic Emirate investigated all associated institutions at the request of Habibi’s family; however, no evidence was found indicating his arrest by any Islamic Emirate body."

Political analysts say this case could become a serious obstacle in the Islamic Emirate’s engagement with the West and their efforts to gain international legitimacy.

"Generally, consultation over individuals is essential for intelligence, but countries typically consider broader interests, and when shared beliefs exist, such minor issues cannot damage relations," said Abdul Nasir Shafiq, a political analyst.

"The arrest of Mahmood Shah Habibi naturally has a negative impact on Afghanistan’s relations with the US, and his case is linked to the killing of al-Zawahiri and potential connections between the two events," said Wais Naseri, another political analyst.

Earlier, the US State Department’s "Rewards for Justice" program had announced a $5 million reward for information leading to the location, recovery, and return of Mahmood Shah Habibi, an Afghan-American citizen, claiming he had been detained in Kabul.