Haji Najibullah and his accomplices kidnapped journalist David Rohde and held him captive for several months in 2008, with the goal of demanding the release of Taliban fighters held in the United States and ransom payments, writes ABC News.
Rohde said in court that he thought he would get an interview with a former Taliban leader, but it turned out to be an ambush.
"Hostage-taking is a cruel and cowardly crime," Rohde said.
In a statement, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the case demonstrates that "those who harm Americans and engage in acts of terrorism will be hunted down and brought to justice, no matter how long it takes."
