A British couple have been reunited with their family in Qatar after their release from nearly eight months of detention in a Taliban facility in Afghanistan.
Barbie Reynolds, 76, and her husband Peter, 80, were freed by the Taliban following their arrest as they travelled to their home in the Bamyan province in central Afghanistan last February.
The couple ran a training and education organisation there where they had lived for 18 years. They stayed in Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to power in 2021.
After the couple's release, the family spoke of their "immense joy" and said the experience has reminded them of "the power of diplomacy, empathy, and international cooperation".
After arriving in Qatar from Afghanistan, the couple were reunited with their family.
Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, ran toward her mother in tears, embracing her tightly.
Before boarding the plane at Kabul airport, Barbie Reynolds said she and her husband would return "if we can", adding that they were Afghan citizens.
Speaking to reporters before being reunited with her parents, Ms Entwistle said the family was "forever grateful to the Qatari and British governments for standing with us during this difficult time".
"Thank you for giving us our family back."
The couple's son, Jonathan Reynolds, who is in the United States, told Sky News the urgency of their release was critical: "Any longer would have been very detrimental to their health."
An official with knowledge of the matter said the two were held separately throughout their detention.
The Qatari embassy provided them with "critical support including access to their doctor, delivery of medication and regular communication with their family", the official said.
Qatar has worked for the release of foreigners detained in Afghanistan, including helping to free at least three Americans this year.
Taliban says couple violated Afghan laws
Afghanistan's foreign ministry posted on X that the couple had violated Afghan laws, without giving details.
It said Afghanistan "does not view issues related to citizens from a political or transactional perspective".
Richard Lindsay, Britain's special envoy to Afghanistan, said it was "obviously up to the authorities here to determine why they were detained, but we are very grateful that at least, today is a very great humanitarian day".
British media have reported that the couple ran projects in schools, staying on with the permission of Afghanistan's Taliban rulers after the militant group returned to power in 2021 following 20 years of US-led Western military intervention.
An American, Faye Hall, who was arrested with them, was released in March.
Western countries including Britain and the US shut their embassies and withdrew their diplomats as the Taliban took over.
Britain now advises its nationals against travelling to Afghanistan because of the risk of detention.
'Immense joy for our family'
In an earlier statement announcing the release, the couple's family said: "We are overwhelmed with gratitude and relief to share that our parents, Peter and Barbie Reynolds, have been released after seven months and 21 days in detention by the Taliban.
"This is a moment of immense joy for our family, and we are deeply thankful to everyone who played a role in securing their release."
The family said they wanted to extend their heartfelt appreciation to His Highness the Amir of Qatar for his leadership and compassion, and said special thanks also go to Dr Mohammed Al Khulaifi and Dr Mirdef Al Qashouti for their "tireless diplomatic efforts and unwavering support throughout this ordeal".
The statement said: "Their dedication and humanity have made an unforgettable impact on our lives.
"We are also extremely grateful to the UK Government for its commitment and support to our family, including ensuring that our parents had access to essential medication during their detention and upon release.
"We further thank the US Government for its support to the US members of our family, and to the UN special rapporteurs for their intervention and support.
"This experience has reminded us of the power of diplomacy, empathy, and international cooperation.
"While the road to recovery will be long as our parents regain their health and spend time with their family, today is a day of tremendous joy and relief.
"We are forever grateful to the Qataris for standing with us during this difficult time.
"Thank you for giving us our family back."
Additional reporting PA
