British elderly couple released by Taliban in Afghanistan arrives in the UK

LONDON — An elderly British couple detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan for almost eight months has arrived in the United Kingdom, landing at London Heathrow on Friday afternoon on a flight from Doha. Peter Reynolds, 80, and Barbie Reynolds, 76, were reunited with their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, in Doha the day before and then traveled to the UK. The family said their release is a moment of intense joy and relief and thanked Qatar for brokering the talks and the UK government for ensuring the couple had access to medications.

The Reynolds, longtime residents of Afghanistan and operators of an education program called Rebuild, were detained after traveling back to Bamyan province in February; they spent time at Pul-e-Charkhi maximum-security prison in Kabul and other facilities before their release. Health concerns were repeatedly raised with Peter described as having heart conditions and Barbie as anaemic, conditions that the couple and their advocates said worsened in detention. The case drew international attention amid Western concerns over Taliban governance and efforts to normalise relations; Qatar played a central mediation role while the United States and its allies pursued prisoner exchanges. UN rights experts warned in July that the couple’s health was deteriorating and urged an immediate review of their detention. Supporters and family members had pressed for release for months, while the couple's four children publicly appealed for help. UK officials, including Hamish Falconer, the minister for the Middle East, Afghanistan and Pakistan, welcomed the news and thanked Qatar for its mediation; the government noted consular support helped secure access to needed medications. Prime Minister Keir Starmer also welcomed the development, calling it a relief for the family. The Reynolds still face medical and logistical challenges on their road to recovery, and UK officials cautioned that Afghanistan remains unstable and that travel to the country is not advised. For now, the family said the focus would be on health and reunion as they begin to rebuild their lives after the ordeal.