Former Loughborough student and "danger tourist" among four released by Taliban

Before being detained in Afghanistan, Miles Routledge regulary travels to warzones and other conflict zones

Flag of Afghanistan, after Taliban take over in August 2021
Author: Ella BicknellPublished 11th Oct 2023
Last updated 11th Oct 2023

Four British nationals who were being held in Taliban custody in Afghanistan have been released and are set to return to the UK.

The Foreign Office said it welcomes the release of the men, who were detained over allegedly breaking the country's laws.

Non-profit organisation the Presidium Network, which has assisted the men, named three of them as charity medic Kevin Cornwell, Ian purchase and former Loughborough student Miles Routledge.

The other cannot be named for legal reasons.

23 year old Routledge is a self identified "danger tourist", travelling to the world's most high risk places.

He received widespread attention and criticism on social media in August 2021 having travelled to Afghanistan despite the Taliban's gains in the nation.

He said at the time he was "exhausted but relieved" and thankful to those who had helped get him out.

UN Agency worker Kevin Cornwell was released by Taliban on the 10th October

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