Omar Abdullah claims US prisoner swap brokered by Taliban, 'spectacular achievement'

While sending Eid greetings to Muslims, Taliban leader Omar Abdullah reportedly termed the controversial exchange of five Taliban commanders for one US soldier, a remarkable achievement for the militant outfit.

In a statement released on Friday, the Taliban leader hailed the efforts of the representatives of the political Office of the Islamic Emirate in the exchange, reported News.com.au.

Abdullah also added that the deal helped the insurgent group in gaining prominence on the international platform. Those who opposed the group earlier would now accept it as a reality, he said.

Taliban exchanged US soldier, Bowe Bergdahl, who they held captive for five years, in exchange for five Taliban commanders who had been incarcerated by the United States at Guantanamo Bay prison.