Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl: US interrogates soldier released by Taliban

Some ex-members of Sgt Bergdahl's unit have labelled him a deserter, and say soldiers were wounded or killed looking for him when he disappeared from his post in 2009

Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl vanished from his post in Afghanistan in June 2009 (AFP/Getty)

The US Army has begun questioning Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl about his disappearance in Afghanistan, which led to him being held captive by the Taliban for five years.

Sgt Bergdahl was questioned at Fort Sam in Houston, Texas, where he has been staying since returning to the US, said his attorney, Eugene Fidell. “Sgt Bergdahl answered all questions put to him. The interview is proceeding.” Mr Fidell declined to comment on what questions Sgt Bergdahl was asked.

An Army spokeswoman said Sgt Bergdahl was advised of his rights under Article 31 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice. The article says the person must be informed about the nature of the accusation and states they do not have to make any statement.

Sgt Bergdahl, from Idaho, was freed by the Taliban on 31 May in a deal struck by the US government, in which five senior Taliban prisoners were released from Guantanamo Bay. He disappeared from his post in 2009. Some ex-members of his unit have labelled him a deserter, and said soldiers were wounded or killed looking for him.

AP