**Faye Hall is the fourth US citizen released in recent months; however, her hosts remain imprisoned in Afghanistan**
**American Citizen Faye Hall Released by Taliban After Two-Month Detention**
**American Citizen Faye Hall Released by Taliban After Two-Month Detention**
**Taliban's release comes amid discussions of US-Taliban relations and ongoing humanitarian concerns**
Faye Hall, an American citizen, has been released by the Taliban after being detained for two months in Afghanistan, as reported by Zalmay Khalilzad, former US special representative for Afghanistan. Ms. Hall was arrested in February alongside British couple Barbie and Peter Reynolds, who are well-known for their training programs for women and girls in the region. This couple opted to remain in Afghanistan even after the Taliban regained power. The exact reasons for their arrest have not been disclosed by Afghan officials.
Mr. Khalilzad announced on social media that Ms. Hall is currently under the care of Qatari officials and will soon be returning home. He extended gratitude to Qatar for mediating between the US and the Taliban. The US State Department has not yet provided a comment on this development. Ms. Hall marks the fourth US citizen to be released from Taliban detention since January, following another American, George Glezmann, who was freed under "humanitarian grounds" just days prior.
Recent discussions between US officials and the Taliban in Kabul were the highest-level talks since President Trump's administration, although the current government’s strategies towards Afghanistan remain undefined. The prior administration’s withdrawal agreement faced criticism for excluding the Afghan government and led to a rapid takeover by Taliban forces. Trump's efforts were further complicated by the chaotic exit of US troops, which included a deadly bombing at Kabul's airport.
Additionally, Hall's hosts, Barbie and Peter Reynolds, remain imprisoned, raising concerns about Mr. Reynolds' deteriorating health, which includes severe medical issues. Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, has appealed to the Taliban for their release, emphasizing her father's urgent need for medication. The couple, who met in the UK and have dedicated their lives to education in Afghanistan, have remained in the country to support its people following the Taliban's return to power.
Mr. Khalilzad announced on social media that Ms. Hall is currently under the care of Qatari officials and will soon be returning home. He extended gratitude to Qatar for mediating between the US and the Taliban. The US State Department has not yet provided a comment on this development. Ms. Hall marks the fourth US citizen to be released from Taliban detention since January, following another American, George Glezmann, who was freed under "humanitarian grounds" just days prior.
Recent discussions between US officials and the Taliban in Kabul were the highest-level talks since President Trump's administration, although the current government’s strategies towards Afghanistan remain undefined. The prior administration’s withdrawal agreement faced criticism for excluding the Afghan government and led to a rapid takeover by Taliban forces. Trump's efforts were further complicated by the chaotic exit of US troops, which included a deadly bombing at Kabul's airport.
Additionally, Hall's hosts, Barbie and Peter Reynolds, remain imprisoned, raising concerns about Mr. Reynolds' deteriorating health, which includes severe medical issues. Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, has appealed to the Taliban for their release, emphasizing her father's urgent need for medication. The couple, who met in the UK and have dedicated their lives to education in Afghanistan, have remained in the country to support its people following the Taliban's return to power.
