A U.S. national, Dennis Coyle, has been released from Taliban detention in Afghanistan after more than a year, prompting gratitude from his family and U.S. officials.
Dennis Coyle, a 64-year-old American academic, has been freed from Taliban detention in Afghanistan after spending over a year in captivity. Coyle was detained in Kabul in January 2025 and had been held in near solitary confinement, according to reports from CNN.
His family and the U.S. government confirmed that Coyle had no criminal record and had dedicated nearly two decades of his life to working in Afghanistan. Following his release, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed relief and gratitude, stating, “Today, after more than a year of captivity in Afghanistan, Dennis Coyle is on his way home.”
Rubio extended thanks to the United Arab Emirates for its role in facilitating Coyle’s release, as well as to Qatar for its ongoing support and advocacy for Americans unjustly detained in Afghanistan. He emphasized that while Coyle’s release is a positive development, there remains significant work to be done to secure the freedom of other detained Americans, including Mahmood Habibi and Paul Overby.
In a heartfelt statement, Coyle’s family expressed their overwhelming gratitude for his safe return. “Today, our hearts are filled with overwhelming gratitude and praise to God for sustaining Dennis’ life and bringing him back home after what has been the most challenging and uncertain 421 days of our lives,” they said. They also acknowledged the plight of other families still awaiting the return of their loved ones, particularly the families of Habibi and Overby.
The family expressed hope that all three men would be reunited with their families soon. “It was our hope that Dennis, Mahmood Habibi, and Paul Overby would be returned together to their families, and we cannot imagine the pain that our good fortune will bring them,” they stated. “We recognize the immense privilege of our family’s reunion today and pledge to keep praying and fighting for all Americans held to be swiftly released.”
The Taliban Foreign Ministry confirmed Coyle’s release, stating, “The Supreme Court determined that his previous detention was sufficient. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan carried out this action based on humanitarian considerations and goodwill, and believes that such steps can further strengthen an atmosphere of trust between countries.”
The Taliban also expressed hope for future constructive dialogue between the U.S. and Afghanistan to resolve remaining issues. U.S. government officials clarified that no trade or concessions were made to secure Coyle’s release. Reports indicate that the U.S. had sent a letter to the Taliban requesting his humanitarian release, and that the designation of Afghanistan as a sponsor of wrongful detention had helped pressure the Taliban.
Despite Coyle’s release, officials noted that the designation of Afghanistan as a sponsor of wrongful detention would remain in place. There are still at least two other U.S. nationals, Habibi and Overby, who are currently detained in Afghanistan.
Former Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad was mentioned as having played a role in the negotiations, although it was noted that he does not represent the U.S. government. His involvement was reportedly minimal and at the request of the Taliban.
Earlier in March, Coyle’s sisters met with Secretary Rubio during an event commemorating National Hostage and Wrongful Detainee Day. Following that meeting, the U.S. government formally labeled Afghanistan as a sponsor of wrongful detention, which could lead to potential travel restrictions on the country. The Coyle family welcomed this decision.
Habibi has been detained since August 2022, although the Taliban has not officially acknowledged his captivity. The U.S. State Department has offered a reward of up to $5 million for information regarding his location and safe return. Ahmad Habibi, Mahmood’s brother, expressed gratitude for Coyle’s release, hoping for a similar outcome for his own family. “My family and I are grateful to hear the news of Dennis’ release. We hope that our family will soon have the same feeling of relief when Mahmood is returned home to us,” he said.
Overby, who was last seen in Khost City in May 2014 while working on a book, is believed to be deceased. Both the U.S. State Department and the FBI have offered bounties for information leading to his recovery and return.
As the situation continues to evolve, the U.S. government remains committed to advocating for the safe return of all Americans unjustly detained abroad, according to CNN.