The U.S. military officials have acquired a video of the only American soldier held captive in Afghanistan for almost five years.
U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, 23, was taken prisoner on June 30, 2009, after being deployed in Afghanistan. Later, the Taliban released a video of Bergdhal and claimed they were holding him captive.
The military officials said the video was probably taken last month. In the video Bergdahl appears to be "gaunt," a senior official told Fox News.
According to the Associated Press, a senior official said the video came to light several days ago. Bergdahl, an Idaho native, is now believed to be held somewhere in Pakistan.
The Taliban have demanded release of their senior operatives held at the U.S. detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Previous efforts to free Bergdahl have failed.
"Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl has been gone far too long, and we continue to call and work toward his safe and immediate release. We cannot discuss all the details of our effort, but there should be no doubt that on a daily basis - using our military, intelligence and diplomatic tools - we work to see Sgt. Bergdahl returned home safely," a Pentagon spokesman told CNN.
Bergdhal's family issued a statement after they came to know about the latest video, reported the AP. "Naturally, this is very important to us and our resolve to continue our efforts to bring Bowe home as soon as possible," the statement said. "As we have done so many times over the past four and a half years, we request his captors to release him safely so that our only son can be reunited with his mother and father. Bowe - If (you) see this, continue to remain strong through patience. Your endurance will carry you to the finish line. Breathe!"
