LONDON – A British couple, detained in Afghanistan for over seven months on unknown charges, returned to the U.K. on Saturday following their release by the Taliban.

Peter and Barbie Reynolds, aged 80 and 76 respectively, were released on Friday. Upon arrival at Heathrow Airport, they appeared to be in good spirits and healthy.

The Reynolds had resided in Afghanistan for 18 years, managing an education and training program in Bamiyan province. They opted to stay even after the Taliban took control of the nation.

The couple faced arrest in February while returning to their Bamiyan home and were detained for nearly eight months in a high-security prison, enduring lengthy separations.

Their situation highlighted Western concerns about the Taliban’s conduct since they ousted Afghanistan’s U.S.-supported administration in a rapid 2021 takeover.

Analysts say the move by the Taliban, which was facilitated by Qatar, could be part of a broader effort to gain international recognition.

Earlier this month, the Taliban announced a prisoner exchange agreement with U.S. representatives as part of efforts to normalize ties. This meeting followed the Taliban’s March release of American George Glezmann, who had been kidnapped while touring Afghanistan.

It remains unclear what, if anything, the Taliban had been promised for the Reynolds’ release. However, Afghanistan’s list of needs is long.

The Western aid money that flowed into it after the 2001 U.S.-led invasion has been severely cut as needs continue to mount, particularly after a magnitude 6 quake on Aug. 31. Its economy remains on shaky ground.

But Western nations remain hesitant to provide money to the Taliban government, citing their restrictions on women and personal freedoms.