State Department Announces Release of Dennis Coyle

State Dept Press Releases

Published March 24th, 2026

Detected March 24th, 2026

Summary

The State Department announced the release of Dennis Coyle, who had been held captive in Afghanistan for over a year. The statement thanked the United Arab Emirates and Qatar for their support and urged the Taliban to end hostage diplomacy.

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What changed

The State Department issued a press statement on March 24, 2026, announcing the release of Dennis Coyle after more than a year of captivity in Afghanistan. The statement highlights President Trump's commitment to ending unjust detentions and notes that Coyle is among over 100 Americans freed during his second term. The department expressed gratitude to the United Arab Emirates and Qatar for their assistance in securing Coyle's release.

While acknowledging this positive step by the Taliban, the statement emphasizes that further action is required, specifically calling for the return of Mahmood Habibi, Paul Overby, and all other unjustly detained Americans. The State Department urged the Taliban to cease their practice of hostage diplomacy, indicating that this is an ongoing issue requiring continued diplomatic engagement.

Source document (simplified)

Home Office of the Spokesperson Press Releases … Release of Dennis Coyle hide

Release of Dennis Coyle

Press Statement

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

March 24, 2026

Today, after more than a year of captivity in Afghanistan, Dennis Coyle is on his way home. 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.

We thank the United Arab Emirates for its support in securing Dennis’ release. We also appreciate Qatar’s continued support and advocacy for Americans unjustly detained in Afghanistan.

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.