The Afghan Taliban today issued a new video tape of a US soldier captured this summer, which was condemned by the US military as propaganda, and the decision to release it on Christmas day as cruel.

Private Bowe Bergdahl appears in the video wearing sunglasses and a US military style uniform including a military helmet.

He gives his name, hometown and other personal details before saying he is a prisoner of war of the Taliban. It is not clear when the video was made.