American held captive in Afghanistan released, Taliban says

Dennis Coyle was freed on the occasion of Eid, the Taliban said.

ByMorgan Winsor, Nadine El-Bawab and Aleem AghaABCNews logo
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
American held captive in Afghanistan released, Taliban says

An American held in Afghanistan has been freed, the Taliban said Tuesday.

Dennis Coyle of Colorado was released after a letter from his family was sent requesting his release on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, the Taliban foreign ministry said. His period of detention was then deemed "sufficient" and his release was approved by a court, according to the ministry.

US citizen Dennis Coyle (C) waits at the airport in Kabul on March 24, 2026 after the Taliban released him. Afghanistan's Taliban government announced on March 24 that it was freeing a US national who had been detained for more than a year.
US citizen Dennis Coyle waits at the airport in Kabul on March 24, 2026 after the Taliban released him.
Photo by Wakil Kohsar / AFP via Getty Images

The Taliban claimed Coyle had been detained for "violating the applicable laws of Afghanistan."

The Taliban thanked the United Arab Emirates for helping to facilitate Coyle's release.

Earlier this month, U.S. special envoy for hostage response Adam Boehlersaid three innocent Americans were currently being held in Afghanistan.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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