U.S. Condemns Video of Soldier Captured in Afghanistan

The U.S. military denounced the release of a video showing a soldier captured in Afghanistan, describing the images as Taliban propaganda that violated international law. The video shows Private Bowe Bergdahl in traditional Afghan dress, being prompted in English by his captors to call for U.S. forces to be withdrawn from Afghanistan.

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The U.S. military confirmed the identity of the Ketchum, Idaho native, saying he served with the 1st Battalion of the 501st Parachute Infantry Regiment. He has been missing since late last month. Military spokeswoman Captain Elizabeth Matthias said it was the first case she was aware of in which a U.S. service member was held captive by the enemy in Afghanistan.

On the tape, Bergdahl, who appears to be in good shape, said, "I am scared. I'm scared I won't be able to go home. It is very unnerving to be a prison. I have my girlfriend who is hoping to marry. I have my grandma and grandpas. I have a very, very good family that I love back home in America."

Then an off camera voice prompts him by saying "Miss them," to which Bergdahl then said, "And I miss them every day that I'm gone. I miss them and I'm afraid that I might never see them again and that I'll never be able to tell them that I love them again. I'll never be able to hug them."

Later, the voice prompts: "Any message to your people?" Bergdahl responded, "Yes. To my fellow Americans who have loved ones over here, who know what it's like to miss them: you have the power to make our government bring them home."

U.S. military spokesman Colonel Greg Julian said, "We condemn the use of this video and the public humiliation of prisoners. It is against international law. We are doing everything we can to return this soldier to safety."