The government of Afghanistan, led by the Taliban, has announced the release of a United States national, Dennis Coyle, who had been detained for more than a year.
According to Afghanistan’s foreign ministry, the decision followed a letter from Coyle’s family addressed to the country’s supreme leader, requesting his release as an act of clemency during the Eid period. Authorities stated that the Supreme Court deemed his time in detention sufficient and approved his release on humanitarian grounds.
The development came after a high level meeting involving Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, former US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, and the UAE ambassador to Kabul, Saif Mohammed Al Ketbi. The United Arab Emirates played a key role in facilitating the release, describing it as a gesture of goodwill.
Coyle, 64, appeared visibly relieved as he spoke briefly at Kabul airport before departing aboard an Emirati private jet. Khalilzad described the move as a positive step, praising Afghan authorities for their decision.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio welcomed the release, noting that more than 100 Americans have been freed from detention abroad in recent months. However, he also called for the immediate release of other detained Americans, including Mahmood Habibi and Paul Overby.
Meanwhile, attention has also turned to detainees held by the United States. The family of Muhammad Rahim, currently imprisoned at Guantanamo Bay, has renewed calls for his release on medical grounds. His son appealed directly to former US President Donald Trump, urging a reciprocal humanitarian gesture.
Coyle was arrested in January 2025 while working in Afghanistan, where his family says he had long supported local communities through linguistic research. His release highlights ongoing diplomatic efforts and tensions surrounding detainees held by both sides.
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