Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government freed Dennis Walter Coyle, a 64-year-old American researcher from Colorado, after over a year in custody. The release came weeks after the Trump administration designated Afghanistan a “state sponsor of wrongful detention” and amid escalating threats of military action.

Coyle had been held since January 2025 while researching languages in Afghanistan. His family reported he was kept in near-solitary conditions without formal charges. The United Arab Emirates facilitated the release, with envoy Saif Al Ketbi present at Kabul airport, though the UAE declined to identify who requested their involvement.

The release signals growing pressure on Afghanistan as Secretary of State Marco Rubio accused the Taliban of “kidnapping individuals for ransom.” Senior U.S. official Adam Boehler warned the Taliban could face consequences similar to Venezuela and Iran if Americans remain detained. Up to three other Americans are still believed to be held, including U.S.-Afghan citizen Mahmood Shah Habibi, missing since 2022.