27th May, 2015
All 35 Assyrian villages along the Khabur River – captured by forces of the so-called Islamic State in February – have been liberated, according to reports.
The Assyrian International News Agency reports that of the 253 Assyrians who were captured when IS seized the villages, 229 remain in captivity with the rest having been released – most recently two elderly women who were let go on Sunday.
The news organisation reports that following the liberation of the villages by Syrian army forces aided by Kurdish and Assyrian militias, about 30 families have returned to the village of Tel Tamer. Other villages were destroyed.
News of the capture of the villages and taking of hostages provoked an outcry among the Assyrian Christian community around the world.
– DAVID ADAMS
