Taliban Release American Citizen on Eid al-Fitr
KABUL (Afghan Verified) -- The Taliban Foreign Ministry announced the release of American citizen Dennis Coyle from prison on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, following a pardon request from his family to Taliban leader Mullah Hibatullah and a Supreme Court decision deeming his prior imprisonment sufficient.
The ministry stated Coyle, detained for violating Afghan laws, was handed over to his family in Kabul on Tuesday. Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met that day with former U.S. Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad, UAE Ambassador to Kabul Saif Al-Ketbi and a family member identified as Lee.
Muttaqi said the Taliban has not detained foreigners for political reasons but only after judicial processes for law violations, emphasizing mutual consular services. The ministry thanked the UAE, including President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Qatar for their roles in facilitating the release. Khalilzad praised the action and stressed continued talks, while the UAE ambassador expressed readiness for humanitarian cooperation.
The release came amid U.S. pressure, with the Trump administration warning of serious consequences if all detained Americans are not freed, according to reports from Afghanistan International and Hasht-e Subh. Amu TV cited U.S. officials Sebastian Gorka and Marco Rubio criticizing Taliban "hostage diplomacy."
At least one other American, Afghan-American Mahmoud Habibi, remains detained, with up to three others reported by some outlets.
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Where reports agree
- Taliban Foreign Ministry announced release of American citizen Dennis Coyle/Quail/Coil on Eid al-Fitr
- Detained for violating laws, released after family pardon request and Supreme Court decision
- Handover to family in Kabul on Tuesday
- Step taken on humanitarian grounds to build trust
- Taliban emphasized no political detentions, only judicial processes
Where reports differ
- Name spelling: Quail (Afghanistan International, Hasht-e Subh), Coil (Amu TV), Coyle (Ariana News, Pajhwok)
- Details on remaining hostages: 3 unnamed (Afghanistan International, Hasht-e Subh) vs. Mahmoud Habibi named (Amu TV)
- US pressure specifics vary: Trump warnings (Afghanistan International, Hasht-e Subh), Gorke/Rubio (Amu TV)
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