Kidnapped soldier begs US to free him in Taliban video

An American soldier captured by the Taliban pleaded for his freedom today on a video released by his kidnappers.

Private Bowe Bergdahl, who was taken hostage in Afghanistan, sent a message to the American government to intervene, saying: "Release me. Please, I'm begging you, bring me home."

Pte Bergdahl, 23, who has been held since June last year, also said the war is not worth the number of lives that have been lost or wasted in prison. The seven-minute video shows him doing a few press-ups to demonstrate he is in good physical condition.

He adds: "The pain in my heart to see my family doesn't get any smaller.

"This war isn't worth the waste of human life that has cost both Afghanistan and the U.S. It's not worth the amount of lives that have been wasted in prisons, Guantanamo Bay, Bagram, all those places where we are keeping prisoners."

There was no way to verify when the footage was taken or if he is still alive. The Taliban last released a video of Pte Bergdahl at Christmas.

Lieutenant-Colonel Tim Marsano of the Idaho National Guard said: "It's been a difficult nine months. With the support of family, friends and community members, they [Pte Bergdahl's family] are doing as well as anyone could expect in this kind of situation."

A Taliban spokesman in the latest video demands the release of some prisoners in exchange for the soldier.