Video released by the Taliban shows the controversial swap of American detainee Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl being released in exchange for Taliban detainees. The video shows armed Taliban men looking on with a rocket propelled grenade launcher while American forces arrive in a chopper to make the swap.
Two Taliban men lead five year detainee Sgt. Bergdahl to the Black Hawk chopper where he is handed over to the United States. The exchange is made quickly and the chopper containing Bergdahl is seen flying away without incident.
The 17-minute video warns United States officials not to come back to Afghanistan and is being investigated by the Pentagon. Spokesman for the Pentagon Rear Adm. John Kirby said they have every reason to believe the footage is real.
An United State defense official said Bergdahl has been taken to a U.S. Army medical center in Germany, where he will remain until medical officials release him from medical treatment. After that, he will be transported to a San Antonio military base, the official said.
President Obama came under fire for agreeing to swap Sgt. Bergdahl in exchange for the release of five prisoners held at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Government officials noted that the Obama administration failed to notify Congress of the deal 30 days in advance, as required by law.
Bergdahl’s health raised concerns after the Taliban released videos to the United States for verification that the soldier was still alive. In the video, the soldier appeared much smaller than in previous photos, leading officials to worry about his health and safety.
Obama defended his position saying, “The United States has always had a pretty sacred rule — and that is, we don’t leave our men or women in uniform behind.” At least six soldiers are said to have been killed in the search for the missing soldier before the switch.