Five Britons who had been taken captive by the Taliban in Afghanistan have been released.
The party went to Central Asia “despite travel advice,” according to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the nationals would “soon be reunited with their families” and applauded “British diplomats’ hard work to reach this outcome.”
It remained unclear who the liberated British people were or when they were detained by the Taliban, but the foreign ministry confirmed in February that they were assisting ‘a handful’ of citizens being held in Afghanistan.
Distinguished British writer Peter Jouvenal, 64, was arrested in Kabul late last year and is among those jailed.
‘We welcome and appreciate the release of five British people who were held in Afghanistan by the present Afghan administration,’ stated an FCDO official.
‘These British people had no involvement with the UK government’s work in Afghanistan and traveled there against the UK government’s advise. This was a blunder.
‘On behalf of the British nationals’ families, we apologize for any violations of Afghan culture, customs, or laws, and assure them of future good behavior.’
‘The United Kingdom Government regrets this incident.’
‘Pleased the UK has achieved the release of 5 British nationals arrested in Afghanistan,’ Foreign Secretary Liz Truss tweeted.
‘They will be reunited with their families in the near future.’ I appreciate British officials’ efforts in achieving this result.’