Nuns freed after hostage ordeal arrive in Damascus

The Greek Orthodox nuns who were freed on Monday after being held hostage for months by al-Qaeda-linked Syrian rebels have arrived in Damascus, state-run news agency reported

The agency said that the 13 nuns reached Qassaa in the Syrian capital to a popular welcome by residents.

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 taken from their convent in Maaloula during clashes in December 2013.