Nuns freed after hostage ordeal arrive in Damascus
March 10, 2013 - Syria's state-run news agency says that Greek Orthodox nuns who
were freed on Monday after being held hostage for more than 3 months by al-Qaida linked
Syrian rebels have arrived in Damascus. The agency said that the 13 nuns reached
the predominantly Christian neighborhood of Qassaa in the Syrian capital to a popular
welcome by residents. One witness counted 13 nuns and three other workers from their
convent. Associated Press reported the nuns were released early Monday in a rare
deal between the Syrian government and rebels of the Nusra Front. About 150 imprisoned
Syrian women will be released in exchange for the nuns' freedom. The nuns, along
with 3 other women, were reportedly taken from their convent of Mar Thecla, in the
Christian-dominated town of Maaloula, north of Damascus, during clashes on December
2. Two days later, Pope Francis in his weekly general audience appealed for prayers
for the release of the nuns. (Source: AP