A delegation of US officials travelled to Myanmar this week and held talks with the country’s military-backed government to secure the release of detained US citizen Adam Castillo, according to a US State Department spokesman.

The visit marked a significant engagement between Washington and Myanmar’s authorities since the military seized power in a 2021 coup that ousted elected leaders, including Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi.

Myanmar announced on Wednesday that it had released and deported Castillo, a businessman and former US Marine, citing consideration for the “bilateral friendly relations” between Myanmar and the United States.

According to The Star, the US delegation’s visit came as Myanmar’s military-backed government sought greater international legitimacy following elections that were widely criticised as lacking credibility. Coup leader Min Aung Hlaing installed himself as president earlier this year after overseeing a military takeover that triggered widespread protests and a prolonged armed conflict.

The US State Department declined to disclose the identities of the officials in the delegation or details of their meetings with Myanmar authorities.

The department said Washington maintained a diplomatic presence in Myanmar and engaged with all groups in the country, including authorities in the capital, Naypyitaw, on matters affecting US interests.

“Throughout our engagements with authorities in Naypyitaw, the United States has and will continue to raise the need to cease violence, allow humanitarian access, and release political prisoners as part of efforts to bring about conditions for durable peace,” the spokesman said in an anonymous statement.

Washington has largely avoided high-level engagement with Myanmar’s military-backed government since the 2021 coup, which prompted the United States to impose financial sanctions on military leaders and businesses supporting them.

Castillo was detained in June following a business dispute. His sister, Amanda Castillo, thanked US President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance for their efforts to secure his release in a statement issued on Wednesday.

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