Summary
An American citizen named Dennis Coyle was released by the Taliban after being detained for more than a year in Afghanistan. The release followed negotiations and was supported by the United Arab Emirates, as well as calls from the U.S. government for the release of Americans held abroad. Coyle had been in Afghanistan for research and was not charged with any crime by the Taliban.
Key Facts
- Dennis Coyle, an American citizen, was held by the Taliban for over a year in Afghanistan.
- Coyle was released following pressure from the U.S. government and negotiations with the Taliban.
- He was detained in January 2025 but was never charged with a crime.
- The Taliban released him as part of a pardon to mark a religious holiday called Eid al-Fitr.
- The United Arab Emirates helped in securing Coyle's release.
- The U.S. government has declared Afghanistan a "state sponsor of wrongful detention."
- At least two other U.S. citizens are reportedly still held in Afghanistan.
- The Taliban claims not to detain foreigners for political reasons.
