UK – BBC, Sept. 19, 2025
A British couple freed by the Taliban after being detained for nearly eight months have emotionally reunited with their daughter, sharing hugs after landing in Qatar.
Peter Reynolds, 80, and his wife Barbie, 76, who lived in Afghanistan for nearly two decades, were on their way home when they were stopped on 1 February.
The couple were released on Friday morning through Qatari mediation, and later landed in Doha where they were met by their daughter. After medical checks they will travel to the UK, despite their long-term home being in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan province.
The Taliban said the pair had broken Afghan laws and were released after judicial proceedings – but has never disclosed the reason for their detention.
There were emotional scenes in Doha as the couple’s daughter, Sarah Entwistle, met her parents as they stepped off of the plane. They shared long hugs before walking together towards the airport building.
Shortly after landing in Doha, Mrs Reynolds said it was “wonderful to be here”. The couple were also seen greeting Qatari and British representatives.
