KABUL - Two US citizens are in custody in Afghanistan after being detained for violating local laws, government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said on Friday.

In an interview with local broadcaster TOLOnews, Mujahid said the individuals were arrested for breaking Afghan law. He described the case as "not serious" and added that a solution is available to resolve the situation.

The confirmation comes just days after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on Monday that the United States has formally designated Afghanistan a "state sponsor of wrongful detention."

In response, the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Tuesday expressing regret over the US decision. The ministry emphasized that no foreign nationals are being held for political leverage or as part of any exchange, rejecting the basis for the American designation.