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According to a spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office,
We applaud and welcome the release of five British nationals detained in Afghanistan by the current Afghan administration.
These British citizens played no part in the UK government’s work in Afghanistan and traveled there despite the UK government’s travel warnings. This was a blunder.
We apologize on behalf of the British nationals’ families for any violations of Afghan culture, customs, or laws, and assure them of future good behavior.
This incident has been regretted by the UK government.