British Couple Freed After Taliban Detention in Afghanistan

A senior British couple detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan in February have been released and transported to Doha, officials confirmed on Friday. The intervention came after Qatari authorities mediated their release, ending months of negotiations involving British officials and the couple's family.

Barbie and Peter Reynolds, detained by the Taliban's interior ministry on February 1, raised serious concerns about their health and well-being during captivity. Alongside them, a Chinese-American friend and their interpreter were also arrested. Originally reported missing after using a plane without proper clearance, the couple were said to be working with a non-governmental organization.

The Qatari embassy in Kabul played a critical role during their detention, providing medical access and maintaining communication with their family. Western countries, including Britain and the United States, have closed their embassies since the Taliban's rise to power in 2021 and urge citizens to avoid travel to Afghanistan due to potential risks.

(With inputs from agencies.)