British couple held for months by Taliban released
In February, a British couple detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan told Reuters, an official who had information on the subject, and was released to Doha after Qatar mediation and flew to Doha.
Barbie and Peter Reynolds, who expressed serious concerns about their family’s health and their ability to get rid of the custody of Taliban, were detained on February 1 by the internal ministry of the group.
The authority said that Qatar had met with the Taliban officials for several months in coordination with the British government and the couple’s family to ensure their release.
“The Embassy in the Qatar in Kabar, where they were detained for eight months – was largely separated – provided to them critical support, including access to their doctors, drug delivery, and regular communication with their families.”
Afghanistan Foreign Ministry spokesman Qahar Balkhi, Social Media Platform X.
Authorized, the couple who violates the Afghan laws without detailing.
Britain’s special ambassador Richard Lindsay, Afghanistan, thanked Qatar speaking with Sky News and said the couple was very happy when asked about their states.
He said it was not clear when they were held on what reasons.
“It is up to the authorities here to determine why they were detained, but at least we are very grateful for them to reunite with their families.” He said.
Afghan officials arrested four people – two British citizens, one Chinese -American and interpreters, told Reuters, the spokesman of the Ministry of Interior.
Referring to the official Taliban sources, the BBC said in February that two British citizens believe that they are working for an non -governmental organization in the center of the Afghan province Bamiyan. An official told us that they were arrested after using a plane without informing local authorities.
British PA news agency, the couple’s Chinese-American friend Faye Hall and a translator of educational works reported.
Qatar has worked to ensure the release of foreigners detained in Afghanistan since he came to power in 2021. The Gulf Arab State Negotiators helped the release of at least three Americans in 2025.
The Western countries, including the UK and the United States, closed their embassies and withdrew their diplomats as they took over Afghanistan in 2021.
