US soldier held in Afghanistan is released

This undated image provided by the U.S. Army shows Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, who has been held by insurgents in Afghanistan since 2009. The White House announced on Saturday, May 31, that Bergdahl was being released.

(CNN) -- Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl, the American soldier held captive for nearly five years by militants during the Afghanistan war, is being released, the White House said Saturday.

'Today the American people are pleased that we will be able to welcome home Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, held captive for nearly five years,' the White House said in a statement.

The statement did not say whether the solder had yet been released to U.S. authorities.

'On behalf of the American people, I was honored to call his parents to express our joy that they can expect his safe return, mindful of their courage and sacrifice throughout this ordeal,' the statement said.

Bergdahl was deployed to Afghanistan in May 2009 and captured by the Taliban on June 30, 2009, in Paktika province.

In July of that year, a U.S. military official said the soldier was being held by the clan of warlord Siraj Haqqani.

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