An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the capture of Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl by Taliban militants in Afghanistan has been completed, but it is unclear when the military will finish its report, the Pentagon said on Tuesday, according to The Washington Times.
Contrary to various media reports, a Pentagon spokesperson clarified that the U.S. Army will release a report, but only after a review process that will assess the accuracy of the findings is completed, Breitbart.com reported.
"We recognize the importance of the media and the public understanding of our investigative process, and look forward to future discussions on this issue. However, the Army's priority is ensuring that our process is thorough, factually accurate, impartial and legally correct," Army spokesman Wayne Hall said in a statement released Friday, according to the Times.
The Pentagon appointed Brig. Gen. Kenneth Dahl to investigate the case and determine if Bergdahl had broken military rules and recommend punishment if appropriate, according to Breitbart.com. Bergdahl was released in May after five years in captivity.
"The Army is in receipt of the initial report and reviewing it. As we stressed at on the onset, this will be a lengthy process conducted in accordance with applicable laws, regulation and policy," said the Army in the statement, Breitbart.com reported.
Some of his fellow soldiers in Afghanistan have said that Bergdahl was captured by the Taliban after he deserted his post, the Times reported.
News reports suggesting that results of the investigation were being delayed until after the November elections to avoid re-igniting the controversy surrounding the prisoner swap that led to Bergdahl's release have not been confirmed.
Government watchdog agency, The Government Accountability Office, reported in August that the Defense Department had violated U.S. law by failing to alert Congress before releasing five Taliban members held at Guantanamo Bay military prison in Cuba in exchange for Bergdahl, according to the Times.
