Freedom Flight: British Couple Rescued from Taliban Captivity

Barbie and Peter Reynolds, a British couple, finally returned to their daughter's embrace in Qatar after being released from eight months of captivity by the Taliban in Afghanistan. Their emotional reunion on Friday marked the end of a tense period for the family.

The Reynolds, who have lived in Afghanistan for 18 years running a charity, were detained in February. Diplomatic negotiations, spearheaded by Qatar with British backing, secured their freedom. Their detention had raised serious health concerns, according to their son, Jonathan Reynolds, who emphasized the urgency due to his parents' health conditions.

Afghanistan's foreign ministry claimed the couple had violated local laws, though details were not disclosed. Richard Lindsay, Britain's special envoy to Afghanistan, expressed gratitude for their release. Despite the ordeal, the couple expressed a desire to return to Afghanistan if possible, acknowledging their Afghan citizenship. The incident highlights Qatar's role in negotiating for the release of detained foreigners in Afghanistan.

(With inputs from agencies.)