Islamic State releases 16 Christian hostages
January 15, 2016
The Islamic State has released 16 Christian hostages who had been captured and held since last February, the Fides news service reports.
The hostages were among about 250 Christians who were seized when the Islamic State overran villages along the Khabur River during their February offensive. Small groups of those hostages have been released on several occasions. Syrian Catholic Archbishop Jacques Behnan Hindo of Hassake estimates that only about 70 of the original captives remain in the custody of the Islamic State.
The latest group of hostages released were healthy, Church officials said.
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