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The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan announced the release of a U.S. citizen who had been detained for over a year. The country’s foreign ministry stated that the family of Dennis Coyle, a linguist and researcher, had sent a letter to Afghanistan’s supreme leader, requesting his release in observance of Eid. The Islamic Emirate’s Supreme Court reviewed his case and deemed his detention period adequate, ordering his freedom.
The decision followed a meeting involving Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, former U.S. special envoy Zalmay Khalilzad, UAE ambassador Saif Mohammed Al-Ketbi, and a relative of Coyle. The UAE facilitated the process, and Coyle was brought back to Kabul on Tuesday to reunite with his family.
According to the Foley Foundation, which advocates for Americans detained abroad, Coyle, 64, was arrested in January 2025 by Afghan authorities. His family’s website, freedenniscoyle.com, explains that he was “legally working to support Afghan communities” as an academic researcher when taken into custody. They describe harsh conditions, including nearly solitary confinement, restrictions on bathroom access, and lacking proper medical care.
Coyle first traveled to Afghanistan in the early 2000s to explore the country’s linguistic diversity and assist local communities in developing resources in their native languages. Throughout his years there, he maintained a residence in Kabul and built strong, personal bonds with the Afghan people. His acquaintances speak highly of his character and dedication, noting his genuine warmth for Afghan culture—sharing traditional green tea, dried fruits, and engaging in heartfelt conversations that foster cultural understanding. His connection to Afghanistan is characterized as deeply personal, not merely professional.
Earlier this month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the U.S. government officially classified Afghanistan as a country involved in “wrongful detentions.” Afghan officials responded to this label as “regrettable,” pointing out ongoing discussions and previous releases mediated through Qatar. In 2025, five American citizens were released as part of what the Taliban described as a “goodwill gesture.”
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