BBC NEWS | South Asia | Taleban handed commander's body

BBC NEWS | South Asia | Taleban handed commander's body: "The Taleban say Afghan officials have handed over to them the body of former senior commander Mullah Dadullah in exchange for the release of hostages.

Dadullah, who was killed last month in a battle, has been reburied in southern Kandahar province, the Taleban said.

Four hostages held by the Taleban have been freed, Afghan officials confirm. There is no news of a fifth hostage.

A Taleban spokesman said earlier the man was killed because the government delayed handing over Dadullah's body.

There was no immediate comment on the Taleban claim from the authorities.

The BBC's Charles Haviland in Kabul says government figures have tended to distance themselves from any link between the two issues." Read complete post here.