American detained by Taliban has been released

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) – An American that was jailed by the Taliban for more than a year has been released. 

The State Department announced Tuesday that 64-year-old Dennis Coyle is on his way home from Afghanistan. 

Coyle is an academic who was arrested in Afghanistan last year while he conducting research. 

“President Trump is committed to ending unjust detentions overseas – Dennis joins over 100 Americans who have been freed in the past 15 months under his second term in office,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. 

The State Department credited the United Arab Emirates and Qatar for their support in securing his release. 

“While this is a positive step by the Taliban, more work needs to be done.  We are still seeking the immediate return of Mahmood Habibi, Paul Overby, and all other unjustly detained Americans. The Taliban must end their practice of hostage diplomacy,” Rubio added.