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Freedom: Watch the Dramatic Moment Taliban Released Bowe Bergdahl
Freedom: Watch the Dramatic Moment Taliban Released Bowe Bergdahl - NBC News ( Video in the link)
BY MUSHTAQ YUSUFZAI, CASSANDRA VINOGRAD AND JIM MIKLASZEWSKI
Pentagon spokesman RADM John Kirby told NBC News there was "no reason to doubt the authenticity" of the clip.
"U.S. officials are currently reviewing the video, but our focus right now is in getting Bergdahl the care he needs," Kirby said.
Staff Sgt. Bergdahl, who was held captive for five years, was released Saturday in exchange for five high-ranking Taliban militants held by the U.S. at Guantanamo Bay.
The swap was criticized by members of Congress who say that the Obama administration violated the law by failing to inform Congress of the move in advance. Some lawmakers say the decision to transfer Guantanamo detainees amounts to "negotiating with terrorists."
Bergdahl remains at the U.S. military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany undergoing physical and psychological treatment.
In the video released by the Taliban, Bergdahl is shown in white local dress, appearing to blink in the bright light.
Bowe Bergdahl’s Final Moments in Captivity
NIGHTLY NEWS
Bergdahl is then led by two escorts - one of them waving a white flag - to greet three other men who have emerged from the helicopter in what appears to be civilian clothing.
Quick handshakes are exchanged and Bergdahl is patted down. One of the soldier's new escorts flashes a thumbs up to the waiting helicopter, which has soldiers inside.
Bergdahl is frisked again, his plastic bag discarded, and he is then loaded into the chopper.The entire apparent transfer - from helicopter landing to take off - takes just over one minute.
The video was also distributed on social media.
In the video, a Taliban commander discusses how the transfer was arranged, saying that local tribal elders had been approached to help negotiate with the U.S. and select a location for the handoff that would guarantee security.
The Americans were informed about the 18 armed militants who would be present on the hilltops and had asked questions about Bergdahl’s health and even facial hair before the swap, the commander adds.
The commander also noted that the U.S. had requested that a green light be carried to the meet, but that it was difficult to find one so a white flag was used instead.
- Alastair Jamieson contributed to this report.
Freedom: Watch the Dramatic Moment Taliban Released Bowe Bergdahl - NBC News ( Video in the link)
BY MUSHTAQ YUSUFZAI, CASSANDRA VINOGRAD AND JIM MIKLASZEWSKI
Pentagon spokesman RADM John Kirby told NBC News there was "no reason to doubt the authenticity" of the clip.
"U.S. officials are currently reviewing the video, but our focus right now is in getting Bergdahl the care he needs," Kirby said.
Staff Sgt. Bergdahl, who was held captive for five years, was released Saturday in exchange for five high-ranking Taliban militants held by the U.S. at Guantanamo Bay.
The swap was criticized by members of Congress who say that the Obama administration violated the law by failing to inform Congress of the move in advance. Some lawmakers say the decision to transfer Guantanamo detainees amounts to "negotiating with terrorists."
Bergdahl remains at the U.S. military hospital in Landstuhl, Germany undergoing physical and psychological treatment.
In the video released by the Taliban, Bergdahl is shown in white local dress, appearing to blink in the bright light.
Bowe Bergdahl’s Final Moments in Captivity
NIGHTLY NEWS
Bergdahl is then led by two escorts - one of them waving a white flag - to greet three other men who have emerged from the helicopter in what appears to be civilian clothing.
Quick handshakes are exchanged and Bergdahl is patted down. One of the soldier's new escorts flashes a thumbs up to the waiting helicopter, which has soldiers inside.
Bergdahl is frisked again, his plastic bag discarded, and he is then loaded into the chopper.The entire apparent transfer - from helicopter landing to take off - takes just over one minute.
The video was also distributed on social media.
In the video, a Taliban commander discusses how the transfer was arranged, saying that local tribal elders had been approached to help negotiate with the U.S. and select a location for the handoff that would guarantee security.
The Americans were informed about the 18 armed militants who would be present on the hilltops and had asked questions about Bergdahl’s health and even facial hair before the swap, the commander adds.
The commander also noted that the U.S. had requested that a green light be carried to the meet, but that it was difficult to find one so a white flag was used instead.
- Alastair Jamieson contributed to this report.
