Five Britons released after arrest by Taliban

Five Britons who had been detained in Afghanistan by the Taliban have been released, the Foreign Office has said.

Friends and family said former BBC cameraman Peter Jouvenal was among them, although the UK did not confirm any names.

Mr Jouvenal was among a number of men arrested by the Taliban last year and held on unspecified charges.

Foreign Secretary Liz Truss said the five people released would “soon be reunited with their families”.

In a statement, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said the British nationals detained by the Taliban had no role in the UK government’s work in Afghanistan.

A spokesman said the five had travelled to Afghanistan against the UK government’s travel advice, adding: “This was a mistake.”

He said: “On behalf of the families of the British nationals, we express their apologies for any breach of Afghan culture, customs or laws, and offer their assurance of future good conduct.

“The UK government regrets this episode.” (BBC)