Video purportedly shows U.S. soldier captured in Afghanistan

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By the CNN Wire Staff
April 7, 2010 11:11 p.m. EDT

(CNN) -- A video purportedly showing a U.S. soldier captured in Afghanistan last June was posted Wednesday on a radical Web site.

Pfc. Bowe Robert Bergdahl, 23, disappeared from his combat outpost in southeastern Paktika province sometime after he finished his guard duty shift on the night of June 29.

CNN could not independently verify the authenticity of the video, and U.S. military officials could not immediately be reached for comment late Wednesday.

In the video posted on TheUnjustMedia.com, a bearded young man wearing Army fatigues is first seen attempting to prove his identity -- providing his name, rank and address, naming friends and family, and detailing his job in the Army -- before pleading for his release.

The man says the loss of U.S. and Afghan lives in the war on terror isn't justified and calls for an end to the fighting.

He then performs a series of exercises to show his physical fitness.

In the past, freed hostages have indicated their statements during captivity were forced and made against their will.

Lt. Col. Tim Marsano, a spokesman for the Bergdahl family, told CNN affiliate KIVI in Boise, Idaho, that the family has been informed about the existence of the video.

"The family is dealing with a very, very difficult situation about as well as anybody could possibly expect them to," Marsano said, adding they are grateful for the support of the community.

The Taliban has previously released two other videos of Bergdahl, the last one in December.

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