Kidnapped US Soldier Released After Five Years

A US soldier held for nearly five years by the Taliban in Afghanistan has been released in a prisoner swap.

Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, from Idaho, was freed in exchange for America turning over five Taliban detainees held in Guantanamo, to Qatari custody.

Sources say he is "weakened, scared and vulnerable", and is undergoing a medical examination in Germany.

President Obama at the White House with Sgt Bergdahl's parents

His release follows months of indirect contact with the militants, with Qatar acting as intermediary.

The parents of the freed soldier, Bob and Jani Bergdahl, said in a statement that they were "joyful and relieved".

"We cannot wait to wrap our arms around our only son," they said.

Speaking at the White House with Sgt Bergdahl's parents by his side, US President Barack Obama said: "The Qatari government has given us assurances that it will put in place measures to protect our national security."

Sgt Bergdahl was released in exchange for five Guantanamo detainees

He added that while Sgt Bergdahl was gone, "he was never forgotten".

Mr Obama expressed his gratitude to the Amir of Qatar for helping secure the soldier's release, and also the support of the Afghanistan government.

Sgt Bergdahl was taken prisoner in the Paktia Province of Afghanistan on June 30, 2009.

His father, Bob, has previously published a video to raise awareness about his son's ordeal and to try to secure his release.

There was a continuing campaign in the US to secure the soldier's freedom

Mike Baker, a former CIA operations officer, told Sky News: "It's been a long time coming.

"It's been a very frustrating exercise over the years, in part because for quite along time it was not clear who we were supposed to be negotiating with.

"People are extremely happy here he's back."

On the US policy not to negotiate with terrorists and concerns the exchange could lead to further hostage-taking, Mr Baker said this was a consideration, but added: "We had to get our guy back.

"We have a very strict policy as does the UK, we don't leave people behind. This was just a festering wound for all of these years. It had to be dealt with."

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