The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has released American detainee Dennis Walter Coyle on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr, handing him over to his family in Kabul on Tuesday.
Afghan officials said Coyle had been held for violating local laws and was freed after the Supreme Court deemed his detention period sufficient, following an appeal from his family, particularly his mother, for clemency during the holiday.
The release was facilitated by the United Arab Emirates and described by Afghan authorities as a humanitarian gesture aimed at building trust and encouraging continued engagement with the United States.
Earlier, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met in Kabul with Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. special envoy for Afghan peace, Saif Mohammed Al Ketbi, and a member of Coyle’s family.
Khalilzad welcomed the move and stressed the need for continued dialogue between Kabul and Washington, expressing hope for further progress.
The Foreign Ministry also thanked the United Arab Emirates and Qatar for their role in facilitating the release.
