The Taliban have released a video of the only American soldier in captivity, offering to release him as part of a prisoner exchange. Private Bowe Bergdahl, who was taken hostage in Afghanistan last June, is pictured saying he wants to return to his family in Idaho and that the war in Afghanistan is not worth the number of lives that have been lost or wasted in prison. Dressed in an army shirt and fatigues, he clasps his hands together and pleads in a faltering voice: The pain in my heart to see my family again doesnt get any smaller. Release me. Please, Im begging you, bring me home. The footage shows the soldier with a beard and doing press-ups to demonstrate that he is in good physical condition. He tells the camera that he is strong and is given the freedom to exercise "and to be a human being", even though he is a prisoner. It is not clear when the video was filmed or whether he is still alive. It is the first time footage of the soldier, who turned 24 in March, has been seen since the Taliban released a video of him on Christmas Day. A Taliban spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, is heard at the end of the seven-minute clip making a statement, with English subtitles, demanding the release of a limited number of prisoners in exchange for this American prisoner". He adds: Unfortunately, the arrogant American rulers are not ready to take any step in this regard." Private Bergdahl disappeared on June 30 while based in eastern Afghanistan and is the only known American serviceman in captivity. The Taliban claimed his capture in a video released in mid-July that showed the young soldier appearing downcast and frightened. In the film Private Bergdahl talks about his love for his family, his friends, motorcycles and sailing. Im a prisoner. I want to go home, he says in the video, released by the Washington-based Site Intelligence Group, which monitors militant websites. This war isnt worth the waste of human life that has cost both Afghanistan and the US. Its not worth the amount of lives that have been wasted in prisons, Guantanmo Bay, Bagram, all those places where we are keeping prisoners. Lieutenant-Colonel Tim Marsano of the Idaho National Guard said yesterday that Private Bergdahls family was not aware of the new video. But he said the community of Hailey had reminders all over town of his capture, including signs wishing for his safe return and yellow ribbons. The community has definitely not forgotten Bowe Bergdahl, and the family continues to appreciate the support, said Lieutenant-Colonel Marsano. Its been a difficult nine months. With the support of family, friends and community members, they are doing as well as anyone could expect in this kind of situation. US officials have said that there were indications as recently as late January that Private Bergdahl was still alive. Private Bergdahl, who was serving with a unit based in Fort Richardson, Alaska, was 23 when he vanished five months after arriving in Afghanistan. He was serving at a base in Paktika province near the border with Pakistan in an area known to be a Taleban stronghold. (The Times Online)