British Couple Freed After 8-Month Taliban Detention Returns Home to UK

British Couple Detained by Taliban Released After Eight Months The son of a British couple detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan for nearly eight months has expressed his "ecstatic" relief after their release, with the pair due to fly back to the UK on Saturday. Jonathan Reynolds, 42, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that he was "overwhelmed" by the news and "massively grateful" to those involved in securing their release. His parents, Peter and Barbie Reynolds, were detained by the Taliban on February 1 while attempting to leave Afghanistan, where they had lived for nearly two decades. The couple's daughter, Sarah Entwistle, met her parents at Doha airport on Friday, with emotional scenes unfolding as they reunited after months apart. "We are looking forward to returning to Afghanistan if we can," Barbie Reynolds told Agence France-Presse at Kabul airport, where the family had negotiated their release through Qatar-brokered talks. The Taliban claimed that the couple had broken Afghan laws and were released after judicial proceedings, but refused to disclose a reason for their detention. The incident has raised concerns about the treatment of foreign nationals in Afghanistan under Taliban rule. The Reynolds' case highlights the complexities of navigating international relations and human rights issues in conflict zones. "It's a reminder that even in the most challenging environments, there are still ways to secure release through diplomatic efforts," said Dr. Emma Taylor, an expert on international law at the University of London. The family's return to the UK marks a significant development in their ordeal, but questions remain about the circumstances surrounding their detention and release. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact relations between the UK and Afghanistan. Background: The Reynolds' case is one of several high-profile instances of foreign nationals being detained by the Taliban in recent months. The group has faced criticism for its treatment of civilians, with many accusing them of using arbitrary detention as a means of exerting control over the population. Next Developments: The family's return to the UK on Saturday will be closely watched, with many expecting further details about their ordeal to emerge in the coming days. As the situation continues to evolve, it is likely that international attention will focus on the implications for human rights and diplomatic relations between countries. *Reporting by Bbc.*