Sgt Bowe Bergdahl had been held captive by members of the Taliban for five years before he was released Saturday, May 31.

Sgt Bowe Bergdahl Released

The Afghani militant group captured Bergdahl when he disappeared from his base in southeastern Afghanistan June 30, 2009. Since then, the solider was held captive predominantly in Pakistan, according to the U.S. government. The Taliban had forced Bergdahl to appear in a number of their videos during his time in captivity.

Recently, Bergdahl’s health began to suffer greatly, causing U.S. intelligence to work out the details of a deal that would ensure Bergdahl’s rescue in order to save his life, reported USA Today. President Barack Obama and his administration’s national security team – including Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel – agreed with the plan to release five Taliban prisoners at Guantanamo Bay in exchange for Bergdahl.

The exchange, which featured U.S. Special Forces troops and armed Taliban members, went off smoothly, with no shots fired. Bergdahl was immediately flown to a Landstahl, Germany hospital for evaluation prior to his flight back to America. Meanwhile, the Guantanamo detainees were flown to Qatar.

Did Bergdahl Desert?

Though Bergdahl’s release has been largely billed as a victory, there are many who’ve voiced their disagreement with the exchange. One reason Bergdahl’s rescue hasn’t received over-arching support is the possibility that he’d been making an attempt to desert the army when he was captured by the militant group.

"Bowe Bergdahl deserted during a time of war and his fellow Americans lost their lives searching for him," said former Sgt. Matt Vierkant, a member of Bergdahl's platoon, according to CNN. If Bergdahl did desert, he could face five years in a military prison.

Furthermore, there is concern that the released terrorists will turn their sights back on the United States and that the Taliban will be encouraged to take more hostages to acquire freedom for more of their men. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz) is among the lawmakers dubious about the soundness of the exchange. The Guantanamo detainees “are hardened terrorists who have the blood of Americans and countless Afghans on their hands,” according to McCain.