Three British Men Detained by Taliban

Taliban fighters in Afghanistan

Three British men are being detained by the Taliban in Afghanistan, according to reports.

Kevin Cornwell, a 53-year-old charity doctor, and an unnamed British national who manages a hotel for humanitarian workers in Kabul were detained by the Taliban’s secret police in January, the Mail on Sunday said.

Miles Routledge, 23, is the other Briton being detained. He returned to the country after being evacuated by British armed forces less than two years ago during the Kabul airlift, after traveling to Afghanistan for a “holiday” and becoming caught up in the chaos of the Taliban takeover.

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) confirmed that it was endeavoring to establish consular contact with the detained British nationals and was providing assistance to their families.

A FCDO spokesperson stated, “We are working hard to secure consular contact with British nationals detained in Afghanistan and we are supporting families.”

Five British nationals detained by the Taliban for approximately six months were released in June, including the former BBC cameraman and Afghanistan expert Peter Jouvenal.

The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Afghanistan due to security concerns, including the possibility of detention.