Syrian rebels release nuns held for months

MASNA, Lebanon – Rebels in Syria freed more than a dozen Greek Orthodox nuns today, ending their four-month captivity in exchange for Syrian authorities releasing dozens of female prisoners.

The release of the nuns and their helpers, 16 women in all, is a rare successful prisoner exchange deal between Syrian government authorities and the rebels seeking to overthrow the rule of President Bashar Assad.

But it is unlikely to soothe the fears of many Syrian Christians that their ancient minority is in danger should rebels come to power.

A convoy of 30 cars delivered the nuns to the Syrian town of Jdeidet Yabous, which lies close to the Lebanese border. A photograph published on Lebanon’s official news site showed soldiers assisting a middle-aged nun out of a vehicle.

“We arrived late, and we arrived tired,” said Mother Superior Pelagia Sayaf, the head of the Maaloula convent.

Behind her, women ululated in celebration on footage broadcast on Syrian television. They were then ushered into an honorary guest room by Syrian officials.

Approximately 150 female prisoners are to be released in exchange for the nuns’ freedom, said the head of Lebanon’s General Security agency, Gen. Abbas Ibrahim, who oversaw the deal.

Syrian rebels, including members of the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front, seized the 13 nuns and their three helpers from the Mar Takla convent when fighters overran the Christian village of Maaloula, north of Damascus, in December.

Sayaf said the nuns were treated well, although they did not feel comfortable wearing their crosses and crucifixes.