British Couple Freed After 8 Months in Taliban Captivity

DOHA — After eight tense months in Taliban detention, 76-year-old Barbie Reynolds and her 80-year-old husband Peter have finally returned to the arms of their family in Qatar. The British couple, who spent 18 years running charity projects in Afghanistan, were released Friday following months of careful negotiations.

As the plane touched down in Doha, relatives and well-wishers gathered at the airport, watching with relief as the couple stepped off. Tears streamed down the faces of their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, as she ran to embrace her mother in a heartfelt reunion that spoke volumes about the family’s long ordeal.

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The Reynolds had been detained in February, and family members expressed deep concern over their health during captivity. They were reportedly held separately, but the Qatari Embassy ensured the couple had access to medical care, medications, and regular communication with relatives. Their son, Jonathan Reynolds, currently in the United States, emphasized that the urgency of their release was critical for their well-being.

Barbie Reynolds, speaking before boarding the flight at Kabul airport, said she and her husband hoped to return to Afghanistan “if we can,” emphasizing their long-standing ties to the country and its people.

The couple’s daughter expressed gratitude to both the Qatari and British governments for their role in securing the release. “Thank you for giving us our family back,” she said, reflecting the relief and joy shared by everyone involved.

Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the detention, noting the couple had violated local laws. Meanwhile, reports suggest the Reynolds continued their charitable work in schools with the Taliban’s permission following their return to power in 2021. An American colleague, Faye Hall, who was arrested alongside them, had been released earlier in March.

The release of Barbie and Peter Reynolds highlights the delicate balance of diplomacy, humanitarian concerns, and international cooperation, and stands as a testament to the resilience of families facing unimaginable challenges.