US-Taliban prisoner swap

The 28-year-old US soldier Bergdahl (pictured above in a 2010 video released by the Taliban) was handed over to special forces troops on Saturday evening, in a remote region near the border with Pakistan. Five alleged Taliban fighters held in the US detention facility in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, were handed into Qatari custody as part of the deal.

"While Bowe was gone, he was never forgotten," President Obama said on Saturday, during a White House press conference attended by the soldier's parents.

The US "does not ever leave our men and women in uniform behind."

Following the president's address, the soldier's father expressed his thanks to all of those instrumental in his son's release. He also told reporters that communication had been difficult thus far as Bergdahl had not spoken English while in captivity.

"The complicated nature of this recovery will never really be comprehended," Bob Bergdahl said.

Non-violent exchange

Earlier in the day, Obama said in a statement that Bergdahl's recovery was "a reminder of America's unwavering commitment to leave no man or woman in uniform behind on the battlefield."

Obama thanked Qatar for its role as mediator in the months of indirect US-Taliban talks that secured Bergdahl's release, as well as the Afghan government.

"On behalf of the American people, I was honored to call his [Bergdahl's] parents to express our joy that they can expect his safe return, mindful of their courage and sacrifice throughout this ordeal."

Officials said that the exchange in Afghanistan was non-violent and went according to plan, and that the 28-year-old sergeant was reportedly in good condition and able to walk. After receiving care at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, he was sent to Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany.

Multiple news agencies, citing a senior defense official close to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel who requested anonymity, reported that Bergdahl scribbled "SF?" on a piece of paper on boarding the helicopter that evacuated him from the remote handover - asking the soldiers if they were special operations forces.

"Yes, we've been looking for you for some time," was the response over the roar of the chopper's rotors, at which point Bergdahl was said to break down.

Bergdahl, from the state of Idaho, had been held hostage by the Taliban since June 30, 2009.

Hagel, traveling in Asia on Saturday, said Bergdahl would be given "all the support he needs to help him recover from this ordeal, and we are grateful that he will soon be reunited with his family."

msh/rc (AFP, AP, Reuters)