ISIS News: Last Batch of Christian Hostages from Assyria Freed in Exchange of Millions
The war continues in Syria and Iraq, and with the raging battles that the Islamic State has to face, it has been confirmed that the final batch of Assyrian Christian hostages has finally been freed, in exchange of millions in ransom.
Multiple outlets report that the terrorists have collected millions of dollars in exchange for the hostages who were part of the 220+ who were abducted since last year. An opposition group and Christian groups around the area have reportedly confirmed the news.
Ever since the hostages were taken in by the extremists who get their finances largely from kidnapping people including journalists and other personalities, Christians around the globe have been rallying and calling for help to get the hostages back to their families.
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The long wait has finally ended as it was reported that a top Assyrian priest in northern Syria led the negotiations, leading to the freedom of the remaining 40+ hostages.
The Assyrian Christians were abducted February 2015 after Islamic State forces attacked communities somewhere near the southern bank of the Khabu River. Since then, the hostages, many of which were women and children, have not been heard of by their families and friends until negotiations for their freedom started this year.
A statement issued by the Assyrian Church of the East Relief Organization (ACERO) said, "The Assyrian Church of the East's Diocese of Syria, under the leadership of His Grace Mar Afram Athneil, has also confirmed that this freed group comprises the final hostages from the group abducted from Assyrian villages in February 2015."
It is unclear how much exactly the extremist group collected, but the International Business Times reports that each hostage was initially priced at about $100,000. Money was raised through the help of funds donated by people around the world.
Assyrian Christians have been persecuted all over the Middle East for a long time and it isn't just the ISIS who sees the religious group different from the rest as it is said that conflicts in religion are some of the main reasons that cause persecution for the group.
