Parents of 'American Taliban' release letter from son

The parents of John Walker, an American who fought for the Taliban, have released a letter in which the 20-year-old apologized for not contacting them sooner and told them he was safe.

Walker is held by US marines in southern Afghanistan. His parents released a copy of the letter yesterday, dated December 3 -- one day after he struggled from the shattered fortress where a bloody prison uprising was put down by the Northern Alliance, with British and US special forces.

‘‘I apologise for not contacting you in such a long time. I realise this must have caused you a lot of grief,’’ reads the letter, addressed to ‘‘Dear Papa and Mama.’’

‘‘I am currently alive and well in Afghanistan and I am in safe hands,’’ Walker continued. ‘‘I cannot give you many details about my situation but it would be good to hear from you all.’’

Walker’s parents have complained that the US government has not let them talk to their son, and that Walker was not allowed outside lawyers before questioning.

So far, Walker is the only detainee held at Camp Rhino. He is believed to be in good condition, and recovering from dehydration and a gunshot wound in the leg. He has been providing useful information, but no final decision has been made on his fate, officials have said.

He is apparently being held in a shipping container 10 ft high, 20 ft wide and 10 ft deep, set on the desert floor, surrounded by huge rolls of barbed wire and watched over by a guard tower.