The Afghan Taliban says it has withdrawn from talks with the United States over a prisoner exchange that would have resulted in the release of an American soldier.
It was the first time either side formally acknowledged talks had been held regarding the release of Army Sergeant Bowe Bergdahl, who had been in Taliban custody since 2009.
In a statement emailed to journalists on Sunday, the group said "some progress" was made during talks and that a video of Bergdahl was provided to US negotiators.
The talks were held under mediation of the Qatari government, the Taliban added.
But "due to uncertain political situation in the country, the leadership of the Islamic Emirate ordered the talks be suspended. So the talks are suspended until the next notice," the statement said.
It did not provide further details and Taliban spokesmen were not immediately available for comment.
Last Monday, the Washington Post said the US was attempting to resume talks with the Taliban on exchanging Bergdahl for Guantanamo Bay prisoners.
The swap would trade Bergdahl for five Taliban members who would be released from Guantanamo Bay into protective custody in Qatar, the Post reported.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said she could not discuss details of US efforts but that "there should be no doubt that we work every day - using our military, intelligence and diplomatic tools - to try to see Sergeant Bergdahl returned home safely."
Since captured in 2009, Bergdahl has appeared in several Taliban videos. He is the only American soldier being held by the militants.
