A British couple, who were held captive by the Taliban in Afghanistan for nearly eight months without any formal accusations, have now safely returned to the United Kingdom.
Barbie Reynolds, 76, and her husband Peter, 80, were released last Friday after being detained in February while traveling to their home in Bamyan province, situated in central Afghanistan.
Upon their arrival at Heathrow Airport on Saturday, Sky News captured a heartwarming scene of the couple’s reunion with family. During their captivity, they were confined in a high-security facility and often kept apart for long stretches. The couple had lived in Afghanistan for almost two decades, where they ran an educational and training program.
Their son, Jonathan Reynolds, conveyed the family’s overwhelming relief and joy at their safe release. In a statement released on Friday, the family expressed: “We are deeply thankful and relieved to announce that our parents, Peter and Barbie Reynolds, have been freed after nearly eight months in Taliban custody.”
“This is an incredibly joyous moment for our family, and we extend our sincere gratitude to everyone who played a role in securing their freedom.”
‘Immense joy:’ elderly British couple hug relatives after Afghanistan release – video
The family also expressed their sincere appreciation to the Emir of Qatar for his compassionate leadership, along with diplomats Mohammed Al-Khulaifi and Mirdef Al Qashouti for their relentless dedication and support throughout the ordeal.
They added, “The generosity and commitment demonstrated by these individuals have profoundly touched us. We are equally thankful to the UK government for its unwavering assistance, particularly in ensuring our parents had access to essential medication during and after their detention.”
“Furthermore, we acknowledge the support from the US government extended to our American relatives, as well as the interventions by UN special rapporteurs. This experience has highlighted the critical role of diplomacy, empathy, and international cooperation.”
“While our parents will need time to fully recover and reconnect with family, today is a moment filled with profound joy and relief,” the family concluded. “We remain eternally grateful to the people of Qatar for standing with us during this difficult chapter.”
“Thank you for reuniting our family.”
The couple was reunited with their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, in Doha on Friday afternoon. The Taliban have not publicly disclosed the specific reasons for their detention. Abdul Qahar Balkhi, a spokesperson for the Taliban’s foreign ministry, mentioned on X that the couple had “violated Afghan law” and were released following a court proceeding, though the exact charges remain unspecified.
Peter and Barbie Reynolds leave behind five children, 17 grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, who live across the UK and the United States. Their eldest son, Simon, passed away in 1993.
