Jailed Syrian women released

Free Syrian Army fighters carry their weapons as they prepare themselves prior to an offensive against forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Deir al-Zor on July 11, 2013.

Free Syrian Army fighters carry their weapons as they prepare themselves prior to an offensive against forces loyal to Syria's President Bashar al-Assad in Deir al-Zor on July 11, 2013.

Published Jul 19, 2013

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Beirut -

Lebanese officials and Syrian activists say authorities in Damascus have given in to a rebel demand and released several women prisoners.

The release is expected to set the stage for the freeing of several Lebanese Shi’a pilgrims held by Syrian rebels since May 2012.

Lebanese security officials say the Syrian women were released on Thursday. The officials spoke on Friday on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 23 women were released. There was no confirmation from Damascus. It was unclear when or why the women were detained.

Lebanese officials have been shuttling between Syria and Turkey to try to mediate the pilgrims' release.

In January, rebels freed 48 Iranians in exchange for more than 2 000 prisoners held by Syrian authorities. - Sapa-AP

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