Taleban insurgents in the troubled north-western Swat valley of Pakistan have announced an indefinite ceasefire.
The announcement follows a deal struck last week between a radical cleric and authorities that brings Sharia law in return for an end to the insurgency.
The Taleban have been assessing that deal and Tuesday's move followed a meeting under the group's leader in the region, Maulana Fazlullah.
The scenic valley of Swat has long been blighted by militant violence.
"Today the shura [consultative council] met under Maulana Fazlullah and decided to hold a ceasefire for an indefinite period," Taleban spokesman in the region Muslim Khan was quoted by the news agency AFP as saying.
"We are releasing all prisoners unconditionally. Today we released four paramilitary soldiers and we will release all security personnel in our custody as a goodwill gesture," he said.
The Taleban had been observing a temporary, 10-day ceasefire that was due to expire on Wednesday.
The announcement follows a deal struck last week between a radical cleric and authorities that brings Sharia law in return for an end to the insurgency.
The Taleban have been assessing that deal and Tuesday's move followed a meeting under the group's leader in the region, Maulana Fazlullah.
The scenic valley of Swat has long been blighted by militant violence.
"Today the shura [consultative council] met under Maulana Fazlullah and decided to hold a ceasefire for an indefinite period," Taleban spokesman in the region Muslim Khan was quoted by the news agency AFP as saying.
"We are releasing all prisoners unconditionally. Today we released four paramilitary soldiers and we will release all security personnel in our custody as a goodwill gesture," he said.
The Taleban had been observing a temporary, 10-day ceasefire that was due to expire on Wednesday.
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