A Canadian veteran and former United Nations security advisor, Dave Lavery, was released from Taliban custody on January 26, 2025, after being detained for 77 days. Lavery, who has spent two decades working in Afghanistan, was taken into custody upon his arrival at Hamid Karzai Airport on November 11, 2024. The Taliban detained him due to suspicions regarding his intentions and the materials he was carrying, including visas and plane tickets for Afghan families approved for resettlement in Canada.
Lavery’s experience highlights the ongoing dangers faced by individuals associated with foreign military operations in Afghanistan, especially since the Taliban regained control of the country in 2021. During his captivity, Lavery was subjected to intense interrogations where he was accused of being a spy. His military background and the presence of combat gear in his luggage only fueled these suspicions.
The circumstances of his release involved negotiations facilitated by Qatari officials, with Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly publicly thanking Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani for their assistance. Lavery expressed uncertainty about the specifics of any agreements made during the negotiations, stating, “That’s the million-dollar question,” regarding the details of his release.
After his release, Lavery spoke to Global News from Dubai, where he is currently residing with his wife, Junping. He shared insights from a journal he kept during his time in captivity, which began with a vow to remain resilient and concluded with the hopeful note of “GOING HOME.” His journal entries reflect the emotional and psychological challenges he faced while imprisoned, including attempts to maintain his composure under duress.
Lavery’s long history in Afghanistan began in 2005 and included various humanitarian efforts, especially during critical moments of crisis. In the wake of the Taliban’s return to power, he played a significant role in evacuating vulnerable Afghans who had assisted Canadian forces. His work has not only been limited to Afghanistan; he also organized evacuations for Ukrainians in Poland following the Russian invasion in 2022.
The Taliban’s treatment of Lavery during his detention was marked by intimidation but did not involve physical torture, according to his accounts. He was eventually moved to a villa under house arrest before being informed of his imminent release.
Upon landing in Doha, Lavery was greeted by officials from Qatar and was reunited with his family. His son, Brant, expressed relief at his father’s safe return, particularly with the family expecting a new addition soon. The support from Canadian officials and the Qatari government was crucial in securing Lavery’s release, and he expressed gratitude for the efforts made on his behalf.
Lavery has no plans to return to Afghanistan, emphasizing the risks involved and the need for continued support for those still in peril due to their associations with foreign military operations. His story serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by many in Afghanistan and the complexities of international humanitarian efforts.