Twenty-five Lebanese detained by Israel's militia allies in southern Lebanon have been freed from Khiam jail, in the zone Israel occupies.

They were handed over by the Army of South Lebanon to representatives of the International Cross.

This was followed later in the day by the release of two Hezbollah guerrillas from a jail in Israel after they had completed lengthy services.

Hezbollah officials linked the moves to efforts to obtain news of the fate an Israeli airman, Ron Arad, who was captured in 1986.

They also said two SLA militiamen would be released shortly. It's estimated that at least one-hundred and twenty Lebanese are still being held without trial in Khiam jail, which has been repeatedly criticised by human rights groups.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service