11th December, 2015
Twenty-five Christian Syrians abducted by the so-called Islamic State during attacks on 35 Assyrian villages in February have been released, according to a report from the Assyrian International News Agency.
AINA reported that the 25 males, who include two boys aged seven and nine, were among some 253 people captured during a 23rd February attack on 35 villages near the Khabur River in Hasaka Province. More than 3,000 people were driven from the villages during the attacks; most have not returned.
The released hostages arrived in the village of Tel Tamar on 9th December. AINA reports that they are in good health.
The release follows that of 47 people from the villages near the Khabur River last month and the execution of three by IS in September. AINA reports that followers of IS are still holding 130 Assyrian hostages captured in the February attacks as well as 185 people captured in the town of Qaryatain.
– DAVID ADAMS
