The Taliban’s Foreign Ministry on Tuesday provided new details about the release of American detainee Dennis Coyle, saying the decision followed a family appeal and consultations involving US and regional figures.
In a statement, the ministry said Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s foreign minister, met in Kabul with former US special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, the UAE ambassador Saif Al Ketbi, and a member of Coyle’s family.
The ministry said Coyle’s release was approved after his family — particularly his mother — sent a letter to Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada requesting his pardon ahead of the Eid holiday.
According to the statement, the Taliban’s Supreme Court determined that the time Coyle had already spent in detention was sufficient and ordered his release. He was subsequently handed over to his family in Kabul.
The Taliban have said Coyle was detained for violating “Afghanistan’s laws”, though they have not specified the charges.
The release comes amid mounting pressure from Washington over the detention of American citizens in Afghanistan.
US officials, including Sebastian Gorka, a senior White House counterterrorism official, have said the Taliban have engaged in “hostage diplomacy” and have called for the release of Americans still held in the country.
The US State Department has also designated Afghanistan as a “state sponsor of wrongful detention,” underscoring ongoing tensions over such cases.
In its statement, Taliban rejected accusations of politically motivated detentions, saying foreign nationals are held only for legal violations and released following judicial processes.
Muttaqi also called for improved consular services for citizens of both countries and said the Taliban are prepared to facilitate such efforts.
He thanked the United Arab Emirates for its role in facilitating the release, describing it as a “close partner,” and also acknowledged Qatar’s role in helping coordinate communication between the Taliban and Coyle’s family.
According to the statement, Khalilzad welcomed the move, calling it a positive step, and emphasized the importance of continued dialogue between the two sides.
The UAE ambassador also expressed readiness to support humanitarian efforts and said such developments benefit all parties, the statement said.
Despite the release, several Americans — including Mahmood Habibi— are still believed to be detained in Afghanistan, according to US officials.
Coyle, a 64-year-old academic from Colorado, was taken by force from his Kabul apartment by the Taliban in January 2025.
