A former Taliban leader was sentenced to 42 years in federal prison for the 2008 kidnapping of New York Times journalist David Rohde and the deaths of three U.S. soldiers during a rescue attempt.
- Haji Najibullah was convicted in 2023 on charges including hostage taking and providing material support to a terrorist organization. - Rohde was held captive for seven months before escaping by climbing over a wall.
- Three U.S. soldiers were killed in a failed rescue operation.
- The sentencing took place in Manhattan federal court, with prosecutors calling it a message to those who target Americans. The case marks a rare instance of accountability for attacks on journalists in conflict zones, though Najibullah's defense plans to appeal.