The Taliban has executed five people in an opium market in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province and left their bodies hanging overnight after accusing them of kidnapping a businessman, officials said.

Mass public executions were common under Taliban rule. The militant group has stepped up its fight for control of the southern region since June, imposing its brand of Islamic justice. Their reach has been growing as US and allied troops enter the final stages of handing over security to Afghan forces by the end of the year.