ISAF condemns Taliban video of captured US soldier

KABUL - The NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) condemned Friday the release of a video showing a US soldier captured in Afghanistan nearly six months ago.

An ISAF spokesman said the soldier shown on the video was US airborne infantryman Bowe Bergdahl, seized by the Taliban in Paktika province June 30.

The video was a horrible act “showing nothing more than the violent, deceitful tactics of the Taliban insurgency”, the ISAF spokesman said in a statement.

The 30-minute video was posted on the internet early Friday.

In the video, produced in December 2009, Bergdahl identifies himself, gives background about himself and his deployment, and is shown eating.

He called on Americans to oppose against the war in Afghanistan, saying the conflict would be the next Vietnam if the American people did not raise their voice in protest.

The soldier, who appeared in good health, said he had been humanely treated by his captors.

The tape concludes with an audio message from Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid.

“The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has demanded and still demands release of a limited number of prisoners in exchange for this American prisoner, Bowe Robert Bergdahl,” Mujahid said.

“Unfortunately, the arrogant American rulers are not ready to take any step in this regard,” he said. “In the long run, the Americans and their allies will have to accept the exchange.”

This is the second video of Bergdahl released since his capture. The first was released in July.

“We will continue our search for Bowe Bergdahl as well as our efforts to ensure the security of the Afghan people and our coalition partners,” the statement said.