The Taliban’s foreign ministry has announced the release of a US citizen, Dennis Coile, from detention in Afghanistan.
The announcement came on Tuesday (4 Hamal) following a meeting in Kabul involving former US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, a member of Coile’s family, and the UAE ambassador.
Release confirmed after diplomatic meeting
According to the Taliban’s foreign ministry, the release followed a request from Coile’s family, who had appealed to Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada for his pardon.
The ministry said the Taliban’s Supreme Court considered his detention period sufficient and ordered his release.
Taliban cite “humanitarian grounds”
Officials said the decision was made on humanitarian grounds and as a gesture of goodwill.
The foreign ministry added that such actions could help build trust between Afghanistan and the United States.
Background of the case
Dennis Coile was detained in January last year by Taliban intelligence forces from his residence in Kabul. He had been accused of violating Taliban regulations.
His release comes after the US State Department placed Taliban-controlled Afghanistan on its list of countries involved in wrongful detention.
US criticism of Taliban actions
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has previously accused the Taliban of using detentions as leverage for political gain.
Other US officials had also warned of consequences if American citizens were not released.
Previous releases
The Taliban have previously released several US detainees following negotiations with Washington.
Observers say such moves may signal efforts to reopen dialogue between the two sides.
For more on similar cases, see
regional tensions involving Afghanistan
