Colombia hostages freed by Farc

The releases have been eagerly awaited

Colombian leftist rebels the Farc have handed over four high-profile hostages to a humanitarian delegation, a spokesman for mediators says.

A spokesman for Senator Piedad Cordoba, the left-wing deputy who helped broker the deal, said the four had left the jungle by helicopter.

They are said to be well, and have spoken to their families by telephone.

The captives - three police officers and a soldier - were among 28 "political hostages" held by Farc.

The Farc says two politicians will also be released later in the week.

They were the first unilateral releases by Farc in almost a year, but analysts say chances for peace talks with Colombia's government remain remote.

Army pause

Senator Cordoba was joined by a delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to secure the release of the hostages.

They flew into the jungle of Caqueta state to a pre-arranged spot to receive the hostages.

After the handover, they set off by helicopter to Villavicencio, a city east of Bogota.

The army has ceased operations in the area for a limited period to allow the hostage handover.

Farc has said it will be followed by the release of a former lawmaker, Sigifredo Lopez, and a former governor, Alan Jara, by Wednesday.

The six are among some 28 "political hostages" held by the group in the hope of securing the release of some of their own jailed members.

Farc is also believed to hold hundreds of other hostages.