Bergdahl is believed to have been taken captive in Afghanistan in June 2009.
My story from last summer on #BoweBergdahl with an emotional plea from his father @BobBergdahl http://t.co/q5tRxYKzhw
— ed lavandera (@edlavaCNN) January 15, 2014
The newly-obtained video shows that Bergdahl was alive as of this past December.
From CNN:
The video, which has been described to CNN by [a U.S. military] official, shows Bergdahl in diminished health from the effects of close to five years in captivity.
The proof-of-life video has a reference to December 14, 2013. CNN has contacted Bergdahl’s family. The military says that it keeps the family aware of developments regarding his case.
Bergdahl is the only American soldier in captivity, and this the first video of him in three years. The previous one was sent in February 2011. Last year, Bergdahl’s family received a letter from him via the Red Cross. CNN has not seen the video, but its contents have been described to the network.
Missing U.S. soldier Bowe Bergdahl seen in video http://t.co/xgt3gz7dF0 Some good news in a case that doesn't get enuf attn. @bobbergdahl
— Moe Davis (@ColMorrisDavis) January 15, 2014
So far, Bowe’s father Robert hasn’t tweeted about the news, but the Bergdahl family has released a statement:
Family of captive US soldier Bowe Bergdahl on new video: “This is very important to us and our resolve … to bring Bowe home"
— ABC News (@ABC) January 15, 2014
'As we have done so many times…we request his captors to release him safely' -Statement from Sgt. Bergdahl's family http://t.co/31fSTltegY
— NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (@NBCNightlyNews) January 15, 2014
Here’s the full statement via NBC Nightly News:
“Today we learned that a new video of our son, U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, has been distributed by his captors.
“Naturally, this is very important to us and our resolve to continue our efforts to bring Bowe home as soon as possible.
“As we have done so many times over the past 4 and a half years, we request his captors to release him safely so that our only son can be reunited with his mother and father.
“BOWE – If see this, continue to remain strong through patience. Your endurance will carry you to the finish line. Breathe!”
Though some questions about the Bergdahl situation do remain, we hope and pray that he is safe and that he will soon be reunited with his loving family.
Prayers for Bowe Bergdahl. Stay strong.
— Krystle Baker (@TarheelKrystle) January 15, 2014
***
Update:
Robert Bergdahl has shared CNN’s story:
Source: Missing U.S. soldier Bowe Bergdahl seen in video http://t.co/KQl4csDSoh @jimsciutto
— Robert Bergdahl (@bobbergdahl) January 15, 2014
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