Freed US soldier’s kin face death threat

Washington: US authorities are investigating threats against the family of former Taliban prisoner Bowe Bergdahl.

FBI spokesman William Facer said in a statement: “The FBI continues to monitor the situation in Hailey, Idaho. We are working jointly with our state and local partners and taking each threat seriously.”

The soldier’s parents, Bob and Jani Bergdahl, live in Hailey. Mr Facer did not detail the nature of the threats.

Mr Bergdahl’s hometown abruptly canceled plans on Wednesday for a welcome-home celebration, citing security concerns.

Meanwhile, Mr Bergdahl has told people treating him at an American military medical facility in Germany that he was tortured, beaten and held in a cage by his Taliban captors in Afghanistan after he tried to escape, a senior U.S. official said.

The official said it was difficult to verify the accounts Mr Bergdahl has given since his release a week ago.