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Video Shows U.S. Soldier Long Held by Afghans Video Shows U.S. Soldier Long Held by Afghans
(35 minutes later)
WASHINGTON — A video of an American soldier held captive by Afghan insurgents for the past four and a half years is in the possession of the United States government, and officials said Wednesday that it showed the soldier, Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, alive but in declining health.WASHINGTON — A video of an American soldier held captive by Afghan insurgents for the past four and a half years is in the possession of the United States government, and officials said Wednesday that it showed the soldier, Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, alive but in declining health.
Few details were available on the video, which was obtained in recent days by the American military. It was not a propaganda release to journalists, a communications technique used by insurgent groups in the past, making it likely that it was seized in an operation by Americans or allies.Few details were available on the video, which was obtained in recent days by the American military. It was not a propaganda release to journalists, a communications technique used by insurgent groups in the past, making it likely that it was seized in an operation by Americans or allies.
The video, which is now in the hands of American intelligence officials, refers to current events, prompting officials to believe that it is proof that Sergeant Bergdahl, the only American being held prisoner in Afghanistan, is still alive. The video, which is now in the hands of American intelligence officials, refers to current events, prompting officials to believe that it is proof that Sergeant Bergdahl, the only American being held by insurgents, is still alive.
After the existence of the video was reported by CNN, the Pentagon issued a brief statement.After the existence of the video was reported by CNN, the Pentagon issued a brief statement.
“We cannot discuss all the details of our efforts, but there should be no doubt that on a daily basis — using our military, intelligence and diplomatic tools — we try to see Sergeant Bergdahl returned home safely,” said Cmdr. Elissa Smith, a Pentagon spokeswoman. “Our hearts are with the Bergdahl family.”“We cannot discuss all the details of our efforts, but there should be no doubt that on a daily basis — using our military, intelligence and diplomatic tools — we try to see Sergeant Bergdahl returned home safely,” said Cmdr. Elissa Smith, a Pentagon spokeswoman. “Our hearts are with the Bergdahl family.”
Sergeant Bergdahl is believed to be held by the militant Haqqani network in the tribal area of Pakistan’s northwest frontier, on the Afghan border. He was captured in Paktika Province in Afghanistan on June 30, 2009.Sergeant Bergdahl is believed to be held by the militant Haqqani network in the tribal area of Pakistan’s northwest frontier, on the Afghan border. He was captured in Paktika Province in Afghanistan on June 30, 2009.
He has been the subject of negotiations, currently stalled, that focused on securing his release through a trade of five Taliban prisoners held at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.He has been the subject of negotiations, currently stalled, that focused on securing his release through a trade of five Taliban prisoners held at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba.
The Bergdahl family released a statement through the Idaho National Guard asking “his captors to release him safely so that our only son can be reunited with his mother and father.”The Bergdahl family released a statement through the Idaho National Guard asking “his captors to release him safely so that our only son can be reunited with his mother and father.”
To the sergeant, the family said: “If you see this, continue to remain strong through patience. Your endurance will carry you to the finish line. Breathe!”To the sergeant, the family said: “If you see this, continue to remain strong through patience. Your endurance will carry you to the finish line. Breathe!”