U.S. citizen Dennis Coyle has been released after more than a year in detention in Afghanistan, with the United Arab Emirates facilitating his transfer. U.S. officials say he is now on his way home following diplomatic efforts involving multiple countries.
The Taliban’s foreign ministry said Coyle was freed on Tuesday following meetings involving former U.S. envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, a family member and the UAE ambassador to Kabul with Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
According to the ministry, Coyle’s family sent a letter to Taliban supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada requesting clemency. The Supreme Court later deemed his detention sufficient and approved his release.
Muttaqi said the decision followed judicial review, stating that “the Islamic Emirate does not detain foreign nationals for political purposes; individuals are held only due to legal violations and are released following due judicial procedures.”
He also thanked regional partners, saying the United Arab Emirates played a “constructive role” and acknowledged Qatar’s support in facilitating communication with the detainee’s family.
Khalilzad described the move as “commendable” and stressed the importance of continued dialogue, while UAE Ambassador Saif Al Ketbi said such humanitarian efforts “serve the interests of all parties.”
The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed it hosted the transfer. The ministry said it “hosted the process of the release of Dennis Coyle … and his handover to the United States”, adding the operation took place in the presence of representatives from both sides.
The ministry also said it appreciated “the confidence placed in the UAE and for selecting it as the venue for the release operation.”
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed the development, saying: “Today, after more than a year of captivity in Afghanistan, Dennis Coyle is on his way home.”
He thanked the UAE and Qatar for their roles, but added: “While this is a positive step … more work needs to be done. We are still seeking the immediate return of Mahmood Habibi, Paul Overby, and all other unjustly detained Americans.”
U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler said on social media that “American hostage Dennis Coyle is in the air right now, headed from Afghanistan to America … No trades. No money. Hostage diplomacy is dead.”
Khalilzad also said the release could help resolve other cases, noting that Qatar and the UAE provided logistical assistance and facilitated visits during negotiations.
Coyle, 64, had been detained in Kabul in January 2025. His release comes days after the United States formally designated Afghan authorities as being involved in the wrongful detention of U.S. nationals, citing cases including Mahmood Habibi and Paul Overby.
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