The Haqqani network, a terrorist organisation operating in the tribal areas of Pakistan, had the custody of the American soldier who was released last week in exchange of five Taliban prisoners, a top US lawmaker claimed today.
"The Haqqani Network is a terrorist organisation operating in the tribal areas of Pakistan. They're the ones that had custody of (Bowe) Bergdahl, not the Taliban, not the Qataris and not the Afghans," Congressman Mike Rogers, Chairman of the House Permanent Select Committee of Intelligence told the MSNBC news in an interview.
The Pentagon, however, neither confirmed nor denied such a claim by Congressman.
"We received him (Sgt Bergdahl) from the Taliban on the ground," Col Steve Warren, the Pentagon spokesperson, told reporters during an off-camera news conference.
Roger's claim adds a new dimension to release of Sgt Bergdahl, for which the US swapped five Taliban terrorists.
Several top American officials in the past have alleged that Haqqani network has close links with Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan, a charge denied by Islamabad.
