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Taliban Holds US Researcher; Negotiations for Release Stalled

1/28/2026

Center

Coyle Detained in Afghanistan

Dennis Coyle, a 64-year-old academic researcher, has been detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan since January 2025.
Negotiations for his release have stalled as Afghan officials demand release of the last Afghan inmate at Guantánamo Bay.
The Taliban says Coyle is in good health and that court proceedings will begin soon.
The United States Department of State has urged the Taliban to release him and cautioned Americans against traveling to Afghanistan.

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Trump Negotiates Detainees

U.S. and Afghan officials continue negotiations over detainee releases, a priority for U.S. President Donald Trump.
Discussions have stalled on remaining detainees after at least five U.S. prisoners were released over the past year.
Afghan officials say the last Guantánamo inmate will be released only after U.S. actions.
Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid demanded the release of two American detainees and said Muhammad Rahim is linked to Osama bin Laden.

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Coyle Detained in Afghanistan

Dennis Coyle, a 64-year-old academic researcher, has been detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan since January 2025.
Negotiations for his release have stalled as Afghan officials demand release of the last Afghan inmate at Guantánamo Bay.
The Taliban says Coyle is in good health and that court proceedings will begin soon.
The United States Department of State has urged the Taliban to release him and cautioned Americans against traveling to Afghanistan.

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