U.S. national from Pueblo released by Taliban

Dennis Coyle was held captive for over a year before being freed

Mar. 25, 2026 at 4:19am

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Dennis Coyle, a U.S. national from Pueblo, Colorado, has been released by the Taliban after being held captive for more than a year. Coyle, who was in Afghanistan on a humanitarian aid mission, was abducted by the Taliban in early 2025 and had been detained ever since. His release was secured through diplomatic efforts between the U.S. government and Taliban leadership.

Why it matters

Coyle's release is a significant development, as U.S. citizens held hostage by terrorist groups abroad remain a major national security concern. His safe return provides relief to his family and community in Pueblo, and underscores the importance of ongoing negotiations to free American captives.

The details

Coyle, 42, was in Afghanistan working with a non-profit organization providing aid and medical supplies to rural communities when he was abducted by Taliban fighters in February 2025. He had been held in captivity for over a year before being freed as a result of diplomatic talks between U.S. officials and Taliban leadership.

  • Coyle was abducted by the Taliban in early 2025.
  • Coyle was held captive for more than a year before being released in March 2026.

The players

Dennis Coyle

A 42-year-old U.S. national from Pueblo, Colorado who was held captive by the Taliban for over a year after being abducted while on a humanitarian aid mission in Afghanistan.

Taliban

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, commonly known as the Taliban, is the current ruling political movement in Afghanistan.

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What they’re saying

“We are overjoyed to have Dennis back home safely with his family. This has been an incredibly difficult ordeal, but we never gave up hope.”

— Sarah Coyle, Dennis Coyle's sister

What’s next

U.S. officials are expected to provide more details on the negotiations and Coyle's release in a press conference later today.

The takeaway

Coyle's release demonstrates the ongoing efforts by the U.S. government to secure the freedom of American citizens held captive abroad, even in the face of significant challenges. His safe return provides hope to other families with loved ones in similar situations.