Parents say letter from captive U.S. soldier gives them hope

Undated image from video footage taken from a Taliban-affiliated website shows a man who says he is Private First Class Bowe R. Bergdahl, a U.S. soldier captured by the Taliban in southeastern Afghanistan in late June. REUTERS via Reuters TV

SALMON, Idaho (Reuters) - The Idaho parents of a U.S. soldier held prisoner by Taliban allies since 2009 said on Thursday they have received a letter from their son that gives them hope that he is well despite his captivity.

Bob Bergdahl, father of 27-year-old Bowe Bergdahl, said in a statement that he was confident the letter recently received through the efforts of the International Committee of the Red Cross was from his son.