British Couple in Their 70s Detained by Taliban in Afghanistan

Peter and Barbie Reynolds, long-time residents of Afghanistan, were arrested on February 1 while running educational programs approved by local authorities.

• Peter and Barbie Reynolds, aged 79 and 75, were detained by the Taliban in Bamiyan province on February 1, 2025, and have not been heard from since February 4.
• The couple, who have dual British and Afghan citizenship, have been running educational and training programs in Afghanistan for 18 years, including projects for mothers and children.
• Their arrest comes despite their work being previously approved by local authorities and even praised by Taliban leaders in the past, with Barbie receiving a certificate of appreciation.
• The Reynolds’ children have written an open letter to the Taliban pleading for their release, citing their father’s urgent need for heart medication following a mini-stroke.
• The UK Foreign Office has limited capacity to assist due to the lack of formal diplomatic relations with the Taliban and no embassy presence in Afghanistan.

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