American Dennis Coyle Released from Taliban Captivity Returns Home to Texas
After more than a year in detention in Afghanistan, American citizen Dennis Coyle has returned to the United States and reunited with his family. Coyle, 64, was greeted by loved ones at Joint Base San Antonio in Texas on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, following his release by the Taliban government.
Details of Coyle’s Detention and Release
Dennis Coyle, a resident of Pueblo, Colorado, was detained by Taliban intelligence in Kabul on January 27, 2025, without charges. He was held in near-solitary confinement for 421 days, according to the U.S. State Department . The Taliban reportedly held Coyle as leverage, stating he had never committed a crime .
His release came after a request from his 83-year-old mother, which was reportedly considered by the Taliban’s Supreme Court, who deemed his period of detention sufficient . U.S. Officials have stated that no concessions were made to secure his release .
Coyle’s Background
Prior to his detention, Coyle had lived in Afghanistan for over two decades as an academic researcher, supporting language communities . His sister, Molly Long, noted he had been researching language in Afghanistan for 15 years .
Homecoming and Calls for Further Releases
Images from Joint Base San Antonio show a heartwarming reunion, including a kiss from Coyle’s mother . Coyle’s family expressed overwhelming gratitude for his safe return after what they described as a challenging 421 days .
The U.S. State Department has used Coyle’s release to renew calls for the release of other detained Americans in Afghanistan, including Mahmood Habibi and Paul Overby .
Key Takeaways
- Dennis Coyle, a 64-year-old American, was released from Taliban captivity after 421 days.
- He was detained in January 2025 without charges and held in near-solitary confinement.
- Coyle’s release followed a request from his mother to the Taliban’s Supreme Court.
- The U.S. State Department is continuing to advocate for the release of other American citizens detained in Afghanistan.
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