Kidnapped cyclist freed after 15 months

An IT specialist kidnapped 15 months ago during a cycling trip in northwestern Pakistan was rescued from the Taliban splinter group holding him captive and was expected to return home to Hubei province in a few days.

Hong Xudong, 26, told his mother by phone on Sunday that he "was in good health" after being rescued by Pakistan's security forces and intelligence agencies late on Saturday night.

Hong had already cycled through western China, Nepal and India over a 10-month period, and was planning to complete an Asian tour when he was kidnapped in May last year.