The son of a British couple held by the Taliban in Afghanistan has described their return as “ecstatic.” Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbie, 76, were detained for nearly eight months before being released.
The couple, who spent almost 20 years living in Afghanistan, are now on their way back to the United Kingdom. They were first reunited with their daughter in Qatar, where they received medical checkups and support before flying home.
According to their son, the family feels “overwhelmed” by the release and grateful to have them safe again. He added that the situation had been emotionally difficult, and the family had been waiting anxiously for months.
British officials confirmed the couple’s return and praised the efforts of diplomats and humanitarian agencies who worked to secure their release. The Foreign Office had been in regular contact with the Taliban during the negotiation process.
The Taliban have detained several foreign nationals in Afghanistan since taking power in 2021. Many of them were accused of violating local laws, although details of individual cases often remain unclear. The release of Peter and Barbie Reynolds marks one of the most high-profile cases involving British citizens.
Friends and colleagues in Afghanistan described the couple as deeply committed to local communities. Over the years, they had been involved in education and development projects. Their long stay in the country earned them respect among Afghans, making the detention shocking for those who knew them.
The news of their safe return has brought relief not only to the family but also to supporters across the UK. Advocacy groups that campaigned for their release welcomed the outcome and emphasized the importance of continuing humanitarian dialogue with Afghanistan.
The son of the couple highlighted the role of diplomatic channels in resolving the issue. He also thanked everyone who supported the family during the ordeal.
For now, Peter and Barbie Reynolds are expected to spend time with their children and grandchildren in the UK. While the details of their experience in Taliban custody have not been shared, the family says they are focusing on healing and returning to normal life.
The release of the British couple shows the significance of persistent diplomatic engagement. Their safe return is a reminder of the challenges faced by foreigners
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