Prisoner Swap Frees U.S. Soldier Held by Taliban for 5 Years

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A button showing the face of Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl worn by an audience during a Rolling Thunder rally for POW/MIA awareness, in Washington, Sunday, May 27, 2012.

Image: Charles Dharapak/Associated Press

By Adario Strange2014-05-31 18:20:24 UTC

Breaking with its long-held policy of refusing to negotiate with terrorist organizations, the White House has agreed to release five Taliban prisoners in exchange for U.S. Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who has been held by the Taliban in Afghanistan since June 30, 2009.

The peaceful transfer of Bergdahl into the hands of American special-operations forces took place on Saturday at 10:30 a.m. ET.

See also: White House Mistakenly Reveals Identity of Afghanistan's Top Spy

Once in transit away from his former captors, Bergdahl asked if the team taking him away was a U.S. special-forces team, at which point one of the soldiers confirmed his guess and said, "Yes, we've been looking for you for a long time," according to The New York Times . At that point, Bergdahl reportedly broke down in tears.

Bergdahl, the only U.S. prisoner of war in the the Afghan conflict, is reportedly now at an undisclosed facility in Afghanistan receiving medical treatment.

"Today, the American people are pleased that we will be able to welcome home Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, held captive for nearly five years," U.S. President Barack Obama said in a statement on the White House website. "On behalf of the American people, I was honored to call his parents to express our joy that they can expect his safe return, mindful of their courage and sacrifice throughout this ordeal."

Although Obama did not address the issue of negotiating with terrorists, a point raised by many on social media, he did comment on what the move could mean in general terms for U.S. policy.

"While we are mindful of the challenges, it is our hope Sergeant Bergdahl’s recovery could potentially open the door for broader discussions among Afghans about the future of their country by building confidence that it is possible for all sides to find common ground," Obama said in his statement. "The United States also remains committed to supporting an Afghan-led reconciliation process as the surest way to achieve a stable, secure, sovereign, and unified Afghanistan."

CBS published a statement from Bergdahl's parents reacting to news of their son's release.

"We were so joyful and relieved when President Obama called us today to give us the news that Bowe is finally coming home," they said.

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Topics: afghanistan, military, Barack Obama, soldiers, Taliban, U.S., US & World, World