Dennis Coyle Released: US Academic Freed From Taliban Detention in Afghanistan

After more than a year of detention in Afghanistan, US citizen Dennis Coyle has been released, CNN reported on Tuesday. The release comes weeks after the Trump administration designated Afghanistan as a state sponsor of wrongful detention, a move officials believe contributed to securing his freedom.

Who is Dennis Coyle?

Dennis Coyle, a 64-year-old academic, was detained in Kabul in January 2025 by the Taliban. His family and the US government have stated that he was held in near solitary confinement without ever being formally charged with a crime. Coyle had dedicated nearly two decades to working in Afghanistan prior to his detention.

The Road to Freedom

According to US officials, no concessions were made or items traded to secure Dennis Coyle’s release. The news was first reported by The New York Times. One official indicated that the designation of Afghanistan as a sponsor of wrongful detention – a measure intended to penalize nations that use US citizens as political leverage – played a significant role in pressuring the Taliban to release him.

Despite Coyle’s release, the designation will remain in place, as at least two other US citizens, Mahmood Habibi and Paul Overby, continue to be detained in Afghanistan. This underscores the ongoing concerns regarding the safety of US nationals within the country.

International Assistance

The United Arab Emirates played a crucial role in facilitating Dennis Coyle’s release, according to one US official. This highlights the importance of international cooperation in resolving cases of wrongful detention.

This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.

Source: CNN