An American held by the Taliban for more than a year without being charged has been released and is headed home, Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler told Fox News.
Dennis Coyle, 64, an academic who spent nearly two decades working in Afghanistan, was taken from his home in Kabul in January 2025 by Taliban intelligence and held in near-solitary confinement. Boehler indicated that Coyle was innocent and was used as leverage.
Details surrounding any demands made by the Taliban for Coyle’s release remain undisclosed. Boehler did not share information about Coyle’s journey back to the U.S., but the administration views this release as a success of its pressure tactics and a clear message about its commitment to act decisively when Americans face danger abroad.
After more than a year in Taliban custody, 64-year-old US citizen Dennis Coyle is finally free and on his way home to the United States. 🇺🇸
The Colorado academic, who had spent nearly two decades in Afghanistan doing language research and supporting local communities, was… pic.twitter.com/Z5nE1qSJ7o— Arkadalo ® (@Arkadalo) March 24, 2026
The release occurs just weeks after Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled Afghanistan a “state sponsor of wrongful detention,” criticizing the Taliban for detaining Americans and foreign nationals like Coyle without just cause. This designation is a strategic move by the State Department to spotlight governments that utilize wrongful detention for political advantage.
Rubio’s action has heightened awareness regarding hostage situations and serves as a reminder to Americans traveling abroad about the potential for swift, non-transparent detentions by the Taliban.
Friends and supporters of Coyle expressed grave concern for his safety, given he was held without charges and had minimal outside contact. His extensive work history in Afghanistan made his prolonged detention particularly alarming.
Boehler confirmed that Coyle is on his way home, with more updates expected as officials finalize details regarding his arrival and discuss further actions for Americans still detained in Afghanistan.
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