The Islamic State has released 10 kidnapped Christians on Tuesday, according to a report from the Assyrian Network for Human Rights (ANHR) in Syria. More than 150 remain hostage to the militant group.
"The network's monitors in Hasakah were informed that the released Assyrians arrived in the mostly-Assyrian town of Tel Temir at 17:00 on Tuesday," the ANHR said in a statement. "The released Assyrians, who are residents of the towns of Tel Shamiram, Tel Jazeera, Qabr Shamiya, and Tel Fayda, are in good health conditions."
The Assyrian International News Agency reports that the released hostages include five men and five women, several of whom are elderly. They were in good health when released.
ISIS captured more than 220 Assyrian Christians in late February during an attack on Tel Temir and other villages located in the northern part of Syria in a province called al-Hasakah. Since then, 98 hostages have been released in groups. 23 hostages were released in March, two were released in May, one was released in June, and 22 were released in August. Most recently, 37 hostages were released in the beginning of this month.
The Bishop St. Ephrem Otnaial, along with the help of local leaders, have been negotiating with ISIS for the release of the captives, according to ANHR. The nature of the negotiations, however, have not been disclosed "due to the gravity and sensitivity of the situation," director of ANHR Osama Edwards told ARA News. Edwards added that they are continuing to negotiate with the extremists to secure the safe release of the remaining hostages.
The militant group has killed three hostages in October after demands for money were not met. Reports say that the group asked for $12 million for ransom in the past.
Some 3,000 Assyrians were fled from their homes due to the raids in February.
