March 24, 2026
Washington, D.C.–The U.S. State Department today announced the release of American linguist Dennis Coyle from detention in Afghanistan:
Today, after more than a year of captivity in Afghanistan, Dennis Coyle is on his way home. President Trump is committed to ending unjust detentions overseas – Dennis joins over 100 Americans who have been freed in the past 15 months under his second term in office.
We thank the United Arab Emirates for its support in securing Dennis’ release. We also appreciate Qatar’s continued support and advocacy for Americans unjustly detained in Afghanistan.
While this is a positive step by the Taliban, more work needs to be done. We are still seeking the immediate return of Mahmood Habibi, Paul Overby, and all other unjustly detained Americans. The Taliban must end their practice of hostage diplomacy.
On the Coyle family’s website, FreeDennisCoyle.com, the family states that:
On January 27, 2025, Dennis was detained without charges by the Taliban General Directorate of Intelligence while legally working to support Afghan language communities as an academic researcher. To this day, he has not been charged with any crime.
Dennis has been held in near-solitary conditions, requiring permission even to use the bathroom, and without access to adequate medical care. His family is deeply concerned for his health and well-being. On June 2, 2025, the U.S. State Department officially declared that Dennis is being Wrongfully Detained in Afghanistan under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act.
