Taliban releases video of claimed captive U.S. soldier

The Taliban has released a video purportedly showing a US soldier who was captured more than five months ago in eastern Afghanistan. At the end of the footage, a Taliban spokesman demands a prisoner exchange for the detainee. Friday's communication also saw the group threaten to take more American troops hostage.

The captive identifies himself as Bowe Robert Bergahl, and provides details about himself which coincide with those of the missing airborne infantryman. He verbally attacks American conduct of the war in Afghanistan.

The hostage also contrasts his treatment with reports of prisoner abuse at US detention centers.

Bergdahl was serving with a unit based in Alaska when he vanished just five months after arriving in Afghanistan.

U.S. Army Private Bowe Bergdahl watches as one of his captors  displays his identity tag to the camera at an unknown location  in Afghanistan, in this July 19, 2009 file photo.  REUTERS/via Reuters TV