Sgt. Bergdahl had been held by the Taliban since June 2009. He is reportedly “in good condition.”
Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who has been held captive by the Taliban since 2009, has been freed and is in U.S. custody, the President said in a statement on Saturday.
The Associated Press
Berghdal, 28, was taken hostage by the Taliban and has been held captive since June 30, 2009. He is reportedly in "good condition" and able to walk.
An image from a video released Wednesday April 7, 2010 by the Taliban.
AP Photo/Site Intelligence Group, File
"Sergeant Bergdahl's recovery is a reminder of America's unwavering commitment to leave no man or woman in uniform behind on the battlefield," President Obama said. "And as we find relief in Bowe's recovery, our thoughts and prayers are with those other Americans whose release we continue to pursue."
The government of Qatar helped negotiate between the U.S. and the Taliban for Sgt. Bergdahl's release, Obama says, writing that "The Amir's personal commitment to this effort is a testament to the partnership between our two countries."
Obama also thanked the government of Afghanistan, who he says supported U.S. "efforts to secure Sergeant Bergdahl's release."
Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl's release was part of a negotiation that includes the release of five Afghan detainees who are held in the U.S. prison at Guantanamo Bay. The BCC reports that the detainees have already been freed.
Bergdahl will stay at a forward-operating base in Afghanistan "until he's ready to move," ABC News reports. From there he will travel to Bagram Airfield, the largest U.S. military base in Afghanistan, before returning home.
Today the American people are pleased that we will be able to welcome home Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, held captive for nearly five years. On behalf of the American people, I was honored to call his parents to express our joy that they can expect his safe return, mindful of their courage and sacrifice throughout this ordeal. Today we also remember the many troops held captive and whom remain missing or unaccounted for in America's past wars. Sergeant Bergdahl's recovery is a reminder of America's unwavering commitment to leave no man or woman in uniform behind on the battlefield. And as we find relief in Bowe's recovery, our thoughts and prayers are with those other Americans whose release we continue to pursue.
For his assistance in helping to secure our soldier's return, I extend my deepest appreciation to the Amir of Qatar. The Amir's personal commitment to this effort is a testament to the partnership between our two countries. The United States is also grateful for the support of the Government of Afghanistan throughout our efforts to secure Sergeant Bergdahl's release.
This week the United States renewed its commitment to the Afghan people and made clear that we will continue to support them as they chart their own future. The United States also remains committed to supporting an Afghan-led reconciliation process as the surest way to achieve a stable, secure, sovereign, and unified Afghanistan. While we are mindful of the challenges, it is our hope Sergeant Bergdahl's recovery could potentially open the door for broader discussions among Afghans about the future of their country by building confidence that it is possible for all sides to find common ground.
from BuzzFeed - Breaking http://ift.tt/RPPFpY
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