British Couple Rescued from Taliban Detention Returns Home

Mon Oct 13 2025 19:45:26 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

After months of uncertainty, British couple Peter and Barbie Reynolds have returned to the UK following their release from Taliban captivity. The couple, who dedicated years to humanitarian work in Afghanistan, hopes to return to their mission in the country.

Peter and Barbie Reynolds, who were held by the Taliban for nearly eight months, arrived back in the UK after being released under unclear circumstances. Their return comes after significant public pressure and negotiations involving Qatar. The couple expressed an eagerness to return to their work in Afghanistan, despite the Taliban's recent detainment of them and the continuing challenges facing foreign nationals in the country.

A British couple detained by the Taliban for nearly eight months have arrived back in the UK after being released.

Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbie, 76, who lived in Afghanistan for nearly two decades, landed at Heathrow Airport, on a flight from Doha.

They were reunited with their daughter in Qatar. Their son Jonathan Reynolds expressed immense gratitude towards those involved in securing their release.

The couple was detained by the Taliban on February 1st for alleged violations of Afghan laws, though the specific reasons for their detention have not been disclosed.

Peter and Barbie Reynolds, who married in Kabul in 1970, dedicated their lives to charitable work approved by the Taliban, even after the group's return to power in 2021.

Desiring to return to Afghanistan, Barbie remarked on their strong ties to the country, and their son echoed their hopes to continue their humanitarian work despite the risks involved.

The couple's release resulted from extensive public lobbying, highlighting the harsh conditions they faced during their detention.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged Qatar's crucial role in their release while emphasizing the complicated relationship the UK maintains with the Taliban, which includes a lack of official recognition.