Summary
Afghanistan's Taliban authorities released American academic Dennis Coyle after holding him for over a year. The release coincided with Eid al-Fitr and involved appeals from Coyle's family and a Supreme Court decision. The U.S. government welcomed the release but continues to push for the return of other American detainees in Afghanistan.
Key Facts
- Dennis Coyle, an American academic, was released by the Taliban in Afghanistan after more than a year of detention.
- His release was linked to the Muslim holiday Eid al-Fitr and an appeal from his family.
- Afghanistan's Foreign Ministry said their Supreme Court ruled Coyle's previous imprisonment was enough.
- U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the release and highlighted over 100 Americans freed during President Trump's second term.
- The U.S. labeled Afghanistan a "sponsor of wrongful detention," accusing the Taliban of "hostage diplomacy."
- Taliban officials denied using arrests for political leverage, claiming they enforce domestic laws.
- At least four other Americans, including Mahmood Habibi and Paul Overby, are believed to still be held in Afghanistan.
- Qatar and the United Arab Emirates assisted in facilitating Coyle's release.
