Taliban Releases British Couple After Seven Months Detention in Afghanistan

Peter and Barbie Reynolds, a British couple who had lived in Afghanistan for 18 years and worked on community-building and education, were unlawfully detained by the Taliban in February 2025 without charges. Their detention lasted over seven months, during which they faced health decline and limited consular support. The couple's release was secured through extensive negotiations and mediation led by Qatar, with coordination from the British government and their family. The UK government expressed relief at their release, acknowledging Qatar's critical role in the mediation process and emphasizing the risks of travel to Afghanistan. The Taliban have not provided an explanation for the detention or commented on their release. The couple has since been reunited with their family and flown to Doha following their release.