Australians held by Taliban in 2001 recall escape as hostages of war
Two Australian aid workers held by the Taliban in 2001 describe captivity and escape.
Peter Bunch and Diana Thomas were detained by the Taliban's religious police on August 3, 2001. They were accused of preaching Christianity.
Shelter Now International team members faced trial under Sharia law. They could face death alongside six foreign colleagues.
After the Twin Towers fell on September 11, the aid workers' fate got worse. They became bargaining chips as the US got ready to attack.
Separated and questioned in harsh conditions, they faced a terrifying Taliban plan. The men would be killed in Kandahar.
The women would be taken as brides. During about six weeks of bombing raids and chaos, the group was moved between prisons in a sea container.
When Northern Alliance troops swept toward Taliban strongholds and fighting consumed Ghazni, jail doors were smashed open. US special forces soon arrived to rescue them.
- August 3, 2001
- Arrest date
- About six weeks of bombing raids
- Time in jail
- Kandahar, where executions were planned
- Taliban stronghold
Why it mattersThe rescue shows how world events can trap ordinary people. They were caught in the wrong place at a pivotal moment in history.
AustraliaThe story of two Australians held hostage by the Taliban connects Afghanistan's collapse after 9/11 to Australia's alliance commitments and the costs of conflict overseas.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 17 h ago
