Hagel: No Information of Soldiers Killed in Bergdahl Search
U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Wednesday he had no information about U.S. soldiers being killed in efforts to find U.S. Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, released in a prisoner swap with the Taliban.
"I do not know of a specific circumstance or details of U.S. soldiers dying as a result of efforts to find and rescue Bergdahl," Hagel said after a NATO defense ministers meeting in Brussels.
Pressed for comment amid growing controversy over the exchange and circumstances of Bergdahl's capture five years ago, Hagel said the army had already promised a comprehensive review.
In the meantime, "let us first focus on getting Bergdahl well ... getting him reunified with his family," he said, adding it was the military's responsibility to get its soldiers back.
"Other questions ... will be dealt with at a later time."
Pressed again for comment, Hagel said he thought "any further comment is irresponsible."
General Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, said Tuesday there would be a full investigation of the case after allegations by other soldiers that Bergdahl might have abandoned his post in 2009.
"Our army's leaders will not look away from misconduct if it occurred," Dempsey said, adding that Bergdahl was innocent until proven guilty.
President Barack Obama has come under fire from Republicans and other critics who say the prisoner swap will encourage others to try to take American soldiers or diplomats hostage.
Source: Agence France Presse
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