An elderly British couple held by the Taliban since February has been released following months of negotiations mediated by Qatar, officials confirmed.

Peter and Barbara Reynolds, aged 80 and 76, were detained earlier this year in central Afghanistan and later transferred to a high-security prison in Kabul. No charges were ever brought against them. According to Taliban officials, they were arrested for flying a plane without notifying local authorities.

British citizens named Peter and Barbara Reynolds, who had been in custody in Afghanistan, sit with Qatari and British diplomats, on an aircraft, in the air, September 19, 2025. Qatar Government/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

The couple, who have lived in Afghanistan for nearly two decades and managed an educational organization, chose to remain in the country even after the Taliban’s return to power in 2021. Their family had voiced concern about their health during detention.

Barbara and Peter Reynolds, speaking at Kabul airport to Sky News, before their departure to Doha, expressed gratitude and relief. “We are just very thankful,” Peter said. Barbara added: “They treated us very well. We look forward to seeing our children and to returning to Afghanistan. We are Afghan citizens.”

Qatar’s embassy in Kabul provided them with medical support, medication, and communication with their family during their eight months of detention, much of which they spent separated. Officials said Qatar has been working on the release of several foreign nationals held in Afghanistan and has already secured the freedom of at least three Americans this year.

The Taliban’s foreign ministry confirmed the release and stated the couple was handed over to Britain’s special representative, Richard Lindsay.

The UK government continues to warn its citizens against travelling to Afghanistan, citing risks of detention.