Afghanistan: British couple freed by the Taliban arrives in London

Saturday 20 September 2025 - 16:00

By: Sahili Aya

Afghanistan: British couple freed by the Taliban arrives in London

Peter and Barbie Reynolds, the British couple held by the Taliban in Afghanistan for nearly eight months, have arrived safely in London. The couple, aged 80 and 76 respectively, landed at Heathrow Airport on Saturday, September 20, on a commercial flight from Qatar, which mediated their release. They were accompanied by their daughter, Sarah Entwistle.

The Reynolds have lived in Afghanistan for decades, running an organization providing education programs for children and women. They also acquired Afghan citizenship, and the Taliban repeatedly described them as Afghan citizens, though no official charges were ever announced.

Before arriving in London, the couple spent time in Doha, where they reunited with family members and underwent medical examinations. Their children expressed profound gratitude to the Qatari authorities, highlighting the crucial role of the country’s mediation, particularly by Emir Tamim ben Hamad Al-Thani.

Despite the ordeal, Barbie Reynolds expressed her hope to return to Afghanistan in the future, emphasizing their long-standing connection to the country. The couple’s release comes amid broader international efforts to assist foreign nationals and support Afghanistan in the wake of last month’s devastating earthquake.