A delegation of US officials has travelled to Myanmar in a rare engagement with the country’s military‑backed government, securing the release of American businessman Adam Castillo, who had been detained since June.

The State Department confirmed the visit on Thursday, describing it as part of ongoing efforts to protect US interests and citizens abroad. Washington has largely avoided direct contact with Myanmar’s authorities since the 2021 coup, which ousted elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi and plunged the country into civil conflict.

Myanmar announced on Wednesday that Castillo, a former US Marine and head of the American Chamber of Commerce in Yangon, had been freed and deported “in consideration of the bilateral friendly relations” between the two nations. He was accused of misusing his position for lobbying, charges his supporters say stemmed from a personal dispute.

The release marks one of the most significant US engagements with Myanmar since the coup. The military, led by Min Aung Hlaing, has been accused of widespread atrocities while seeking legitimacy through elections widely condemned as a sham. He installed himself as president earlier this year.

A State Department spokesman said the US continues to raise concerns with authorities in Naypyitaw, including calls to end violence, allow humanitarian access and release political prisoners. The spokesman declined to identify the officials involved in the delegation.

Castillo’s sister, Amanda, thanked President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance for their role in securing his release, alongside nonprofit group Global Reach, which works on freeing detained Americans. “We are thrilled to see Adam coming home,” said Global Reach CEO Mickey Bergman, who previously helped secure the release of journalist Danny Fenster in 2021.

The case highlights the delicate balance in US policy: maintaining sanctions and criticism of Myanmar’s leadership, while engaging when American lives are at stake. For Min Aung Hlaing, the episode adds to his push for international recognition, though Washington insists its stance on Myanmar’s political crisis remains unchanged.

-2026-09-17