PRIVATE MORTUARY DISCOVERED BY THE POLICE IN IMO STATE. (PHOTOS). #PRESS RELEASE
The Taliban released a British couple on Friday after holding them in Afghanistan for more than seven months on undisclosed charges. Officials said the move appears linked to the Taliban’s ongoing efforts to gain international recognition as Afghanistan’s legitimate government, more than four years after they regained control following the U.S. military withdrawal.
Peter and Barbie Reynolds, 80 and 75, had lived in Afghanistan for 18 years, running an education and training organization in Bamiyan province. They chose to remain in the country after the Taliban takeover in 2021. Their release was reportedly secured through mediation by Qatari officials in coordination with the British government and the couple’s family. During their detention, the Reynolds were largely held separately, but the Qatari embassy in Kabul provided medical support, medication, and regular communication with their family. The couple is now on their way home.
The British government expressed relief at their release. Hamish Falconer, U.K. Minister for the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, said the government had worked “intensively since their detention” and thanked Qatar for its “essential role.” The Reynolds’ family had repeatedly raised concerns about their treatment, while the Taliban has not disclosed the reasons for their detention.
The couple’s ordeal comes amid ongoing international scrutiny of Taliban governance. Earlier this year, the Taliban reached a prisoner exchange agreement with U.S. envoys, and in March, they released U.S. citizen George Glezmann, abducted while traveling in Afghanistan. The Reynolds were detained in February alongside American friend Faye Hall and their Afghan interpreter; Hall was released in the spring through Qatari assistance.
Afghanistan remains a focus of international attention, including U.S. interests in the Bagram Air Base. Taliban officials, however, have dismissed U.S. claims about regaining control of the military installation.
Comments
Post a Comment