WASHINGTON — The Taliban administration in Afghanistan declared on Tuesday that Dennis Coyle, an American held since January 2025, has been released from detention.
Coyle’s family had fervently appealed for his release through a heartfelt letter to the Taliban regime. In response, Afghanistan’s foreign ministry revealed that his release would coincide with Eid, a significant Islamic celebration marking the end of Ramadan.
“This decision by the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan stems from a sense of humanitarian compassion and goodwill,” stated a release from Kabul’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The statement further emphasized, “This act has enhanced the trust between our nations. We are hopeful that both countries will pursue resolving outstanding matters through constructive dialogue and mutual understanding in the future.”
Coyle, originally from Colorado, had spent nearly 20 years in Afghanistan, immersing himself in language studies.
His abduction by Taliban forces occurred shortly after the liberation of Ryan Corbett and William McKenty, two other Americans who had also been detained.
According to Coyle’s family, he was never charged with any crime.
The Trump administration determined that Coyle was wrongfully apprehended under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act, named for a former FBI agent who was abducted while on an unauthorized CIA mission in Iran and died in Tehran’s custody.
While the US doesn’t formally recognize the Taliban as Afghanistan’s legitimate government, it holds talks with the regime through intermediaries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates
Talks with Afghanistan about Coyle‘s release began in late February, CBS News reported, citing a Taliban official.
Earlier this month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio designated the Kabul regime as a “state sponsor of wrongful detention,” accusing the Taliban of “unjustly” apprehending Americans and other foreigners using “terror tactics.”
“We thank the United Arab Emirates for its support in securing Dennis’ release. We also appreciate Qatar’s continued support and advocacy for Americans unjustly detained in Afghanistan,” Rubio said in a statement Tuesday.
“While this is a positive step by the Taliban, more work needs to be done,” he went on. “We are still seeking the immediate return of Mahmood Habibi, Paul Overby, and all other unjustly detained Americans. The Taliban must end their practice of hostage diplomacy.”
