The family of a U.S. soldier who went missing in Afghanistan nearly five years ago says U.S. officials have obtained a new video showing their son is still alive.
U.S. officials confirmed the video Wednesday, saying it was obtained in recent days and shows a frail army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl in what appears to be declining health. However, they said he did not appear to be seriously ill. NBC television quotes unnamed U.S. officials as saying the 27-year-old captive is seen making a reference to the December death of South African leader Nelson Mandela.
Bergdahl disappeared in eastern Paktika province under unclear circumstances in June 2009. Authorities believe he is being held by Taliban militants in nearby Pakistan. It was not clear late Wednesday how the video - the first of Bergdahl in nearly three years - was obtained or where it was viewed.
Taliban militants have previously offered to free Bergdahl in exchange for several senior militants currently in U.S. detention at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. But no deal has yet been announced.
U.S. officials confirmed the video Wednesday, saying it was obtained in recent days and shows a frail army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl in what appears to be declining health. However, they said he did not appear to be seriously ill. NBC television quotes unnamed U.S. officials as saying the 27-year-old captive is seen making a reference to the December death of South African leader Nelson Mandela.
Bergdahl disappeared in eastern Paktika province under unclear circumstances in June 2009. Authorities believe he is being held by Taliban militants in nearby Pakistan. It was not clear late Wednesday how the video - the first of Bergdahl in nearly three years - was obtained or where it was viewed.
Taliban militants have previously offered to free Bergdahl in exchange for several senior militants currently in U.S. detention at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. But no deal has yet been announced.
