Taliban ‘will try to release arrested British couple as soon as possible’

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The Taliban will “endeavour” to release a British couple detained in Afghanistan “as soon as possible”, the BBC has reported. In a statement reported by the BBC on Monday, Taliban official Abdul Mateen Qani said: “A series of considerations is being taken into account, and after evaluation, we will endeavour to release them as soon as possible.” Mr Qani added the three foreign nationals had Afghan passports and national ID cards. “It seems that if Peter and Barbie are not released soon, Peter may lose his life because he needs medication, and the Taliban are not allowing him it.” Describing the British couple, the employee said: “They are the most honourable people I have ever met in my life. “Since US financial aid to the Taliban has been cut off, the Taliban are trying to take foreign hostages to gain concessions from western governments.” Mr and Mrs Reynolds have run school training programmes for 18 years and remained in the country after the Taliban takeover in 2021.