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| Afghanistan |
| US condemns Taliban soldier video |
| 2009-12-26 |
| The US has condemned a Taliban video of an American soldier captured by the militants in Afghanistan last June as an affront to his family at Christmas. The man in the film, identifying himself as Private Bowe Robert Bergdahl, criticises the US over the Afghan war and relations with Muslims. A Taliban spokesman then calls for the release of captured insurgents in exchange for the 23-year-old. His parents, Bob and Jani Bergdahl, responded by appealing for his release. The Western military alliance Nato confirmed that the man in the video - seen wearing sunglasses, a military helmet and uniform - was Pte Bergdahl. It said he had clearly been forced to read a prepared statement. It is not clear when the video, released on Friday, was recorded. The airborne infantryman, originally from the US state of Idaho, spoke clearly and appeared healthy. He was captured in Paktika province, a Taliban stronghold in eastern Afghanistan, on 30 June. US Navy Rear Adm Gregory Smith said in a statement: "It reflects nothing more than the violent, deceitful tactics of the Taliban insurgency. To release this video on Christmas Day is an affront to the deeply concerned family and friends of Bowe Bergdahl." |
| Posted by:Steve White |
| #2 think so. Left behind his rifle? |
| Posted by: Frank G 2009-12-26 17:48 |
| #1 refresh my memory... is this the guy that seemed to walk away from base with a couple of locals? |
| Posted by: abu do you love 2009-12-26 17:32 |