Night Line: Afghanistan Releases American Dennis Coyle After Over a Year in Detention

Last updated: March 25, 2026 11:32 pm

Mujeeb Osman 4 months ago

Chicago – March 25, 2026

The Taliban government announced the release of U.S. citizen Dennis Coyle, a 64-year-old academic researcher from Colorado, on March 24, 2026, after 422 days in custody. Detained on January 27, 2025, without formal charges for alleged law violations while studying Afghan languages, Coyle was held in near-solitary confinement by Taliban intelligence.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) freed him for Eid al-Fitr, following a mercy plea from his family—especially his mother—to supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada. Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi confirmed the Supreme Court deemed his imprisonment sufficient, handing him over in Kabul.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio hailed it as a “positive step” against hostage diplomacy, thanking UAE and Qatar for mediation; former envoy Zalmay Khalilzad attended talks. Coyle, a wrongful detainee per the State Department, is heading home, though three other Americans remain held.

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By Mujeeb Osman

With 26 years of journalism experience across Urdu and English newspapers, he has built a reputation for thoughtful, community-focused reporting. Mujeeb Osman previously served as the Chicago in-charge of The Muslim Observer, where he covered local, national, and international issues impacting diverse communities. At Chicago Patriot News, he continues his commitment to delivering accurate, balanced, and compelling stories. His work reflects a deep interest in immigration issues, public policy, and American politics, areas he has followed closely throughout his career. At Chicago Patriot News, he continues his commitment to delivering accurate, balanced, and compelling stories that illuminate the challenges and perspectives shaping today’s public discourse.