Taliban freed US soldier in exchange with five Gitmo prisoners

President Obama addressing a news conference with the parents of released soldier Bowe Bergdahl

Washington : Taliban released last of the US prisoner of war held in Afghanistan in a dramatic swap for five Taliban detainees who were released from Guantanamo Bay prison.

US soldier, Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl held under the captivity of Taliban for five years, after Taliban were agreed at last minute to exchange it with their senior official kept at Guantanamo Bay prison by United States.

The deal was mediated by the Qatar government, which was reached after a week of intense negotiations, Qatar is now in custody of released Taliban detainees.

Bowe was captured by Taliban in June 30, 2009 

According to reports, Sergeant Bowe, 28, was handed over to the US forces at an unknown location at about 6 pm local time who was immediately flown back to Washington.

Bowe is now on his way to an American military hospital in Germany, said a US defence official, from where he would be transferred to a military medical facility in San Antonio, Texas.

Taliban has welcomed the release of fiver senior Taliban detainees from Guantanamo prison which are now in Qatar. The decision to free the prisoners brought "great happiness and pleasure to (the) Afghan nation and particularly to the Islamic Emirate Mujahideen," a statement from the Taliban said, quoted by AFP.

In January, US has obtained a "proof of life" video of the soldier, the first concrete evidence in more than three years that he was still alive.

Although, the release of the prisoner was welcomed by Americans but many congressional Republicans showed skepticism on it. 

California Rep. Howard said that America has maintained an prohibition on negotiating with terrorists for good reason. He also accused Obama of clearly violating laws that require him to notify Congress 30 days before any transfer of terrorists from Guantanamo Bay, reported foxnews.

The swap of prisoners is itself another victory of Taliban against a Superpower who despite of world's strong army, and intelligence was unable to trace his soldier for five years.