US Army initiates investigation against Sgt Bergdahl

The US Army has initiated investigation into the facts and circumstances surrounding the disappearance and capture of Sgt Bowe Bergdahl, who spent 5 years in Taliban captivity until his release on May 31 in exchange for 5 militants.

The Army has appointed as the investigating officer Major Gen Kenneth R Dahl, an Army officer with Afghanistan combat experience for the probe, the US Army said in a statement.

Bergdahl was released recently in exchange of 5 Taliban prisoners from the Guantanamo Bay terrorist detention centre.

"The primary function of this investigation, as in any other investigation, is to ascertain facts and report them to the appointing authority. These types of investigations are not uncommon and serve to establish the facts on the ground following an incident," the army said.

"The investigating officer will have access to previously gathered documentary evidence, including the 2009 investigation," it said.

Noting that Army's top priority remains Bergdahl's health and reintegration, the Army asked that everyone respect the time and privacy necessary to accomplish the objectives of the last phase of reintegration.

Bergdahl was kidnapped by the Taliban from a US post in Afghanistan on June 30, 2009.