The Taliban has pledged to release British nationals Peter and Barbie Reynolds, who have been detained in Afghanistan since February 1, 2025. The couple, both in their 70s, were arrested alongside an American national and an Afghan citizen in the Bamiyan province. The Taliban’s Ministry of Interior spokesperson, Abdul Mateen Qani, confirmed that the couple’s case is under evaluation, and they will be released “as soon as possible.”
Peter and Barbie Reynolds have worked in Afghanistan for over 18 years, leading training projects for mothers and children, despite the Taliban’s restrictive policies, including a ban on girls’ education beyond age 12 and the prohibition of women working for non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Their efforts were reportedly approved by local authorities before their arrest.
Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, expressed concern after losing contact with her parents two weeks ago, following initial communication after their arrest. In a statement to the BBC, she revealed that the family had written to the Taliban to appeal for their parents’ release, highlighting their parents’ deep commitment to Afghanistan.
The UK Foreign Office is supporting the family, though its ability to intervene is limited due to the closure of the British Embassy in Kabul after the Taliban’s return to power. The Foreign Office continues to advise against travel to Afghanistan.
While the reason for the couple’s detention remains unclear, the family is calling on the British government to pressure the Taliban for answers and their swift release.
