Arizona Man Dennis Coyle Released: Senator Kelly Updates

Arizona Senator Mark Kelly announced on social media Tuesday the release of Dennis Coyle, a Colorado native held by the Taliban in Afghanistan for over a year. Kelly stated he was “so happy” to see Coyle released and on his way home to his family.

The Taliban government confirmed Coyle’s release, stating the action was taken based on “humanitarian compassion and goodwill” as the Islamic festival of Eid, marking the complete of Ramadan, approaches. According to the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the release is intended to “strengthen the atmosphere of trust” between Afghanistan and the United States and foster “mutual understanding and constructive dialogue.”

Coyle was abducted from his apartment in Kabul in January 2025, shortly after the release of two other American detainees, Ryan Corbett and William McKenty. His family had publicly appealed for his release and the Trump administration subsequently determined that Coyle was being wrongfully detained under the Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act.

While the United States does not formally recognize the Taliban as Afghanistan’s legitimate government, it maintains communication through intermediaries, including Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. The timing of Coyle’s release coincides with ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the situation of detained Americans and broader political issues within the region.

Coyle had resided in Afghanistan for approximately two decades, focusing on language studies. As of Tuesday, the U.S. State Department had not issued a formal statement regarding Coyle’s return, and details surrounding his condition and travel arrangements remain undisclosed.