Terror designation could complicate efforts to free Idaho soldier
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Obama administration's decision Friday to declare the Pakistan-based Haqqani network of militants a terrorist body could complicate talks to free prisoner of war, Army Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl.
The 26-year-old from Hailey, Idaho, is the only U.S. prisoner of war from the Afghan conflict and has been held by the Haqqani's since 2009.
State Department spokesman Patrick Ventrell dodged questions about reported Haqqani threats to further mistreat Bergdhal as a result of the designation but said the U.S. is doing everything it can to free him.
Congress insisted Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton deliver a report on whether the Haqqanis should be designated a terrorist organization by Sunday after a string of high profile attacks on U.S. and NATO troops.
The U.S. had resisted the terrorist designation because of fears it could jeopardize reconciliation efforts between the U.S. government and insurgents in Afghanistan.
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