Peter and Barbie Reynolds, a British couple who has been running education programs in Afghanistan for nearly two decades, were detained by the Taliban earlier this month. The couple, who are in their 70s, were arrested when returning to their home in Bamiyan Province on Feb. 1. They had decided to stay in Afghanistan despite the Taliban takeover in 2021 and the withdrawal of Western troops, to continue their work offering education and training in the country.
Their daughter, Sarah Entwistle, stated that her parents were just trying to help the country they loved. The couple’s work included teaching parenting skills to mothers, among other educational projects. The Reynolds are known to have married in Afghanistan more than 50 years ago and have made it their home ever since.
The couple’s children have reached out to the Taliban, urging them to release their parents. They highlighted the couple’s dedication to obeying the laws of the country and their desire to continue serving Afghanistan through their educational endeavors.
The British Foreign Office confirmed that they are supporting the family of the detained couple but did not provide further details. They advised against travel to Afghanistan due to the heightened risk of British nationals being detained.
The United States also lacks diplomatic representation in Afghanistan and has warned citizens against traveling to the country. Several Western nationals have been detained by the Taliban, and two Americans were recently released in a prisoner swap. The fate of the Reynolds remains uncertain as their family pleads for their safe return to continue their educational mission in Afghanistan.
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