Christian Syrians released by rebel forces

Syrian rebels released a number of Christian Syrians kidnapped in Rebella, on the border with Lebanon, over the weekend, according to well-informed sources. An armed Syrian group, whose affiliation was unknown, had kidnapped the Christians on their return to Rebella, in response to another kidnapping by Syrian forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad, who had targeted anti-government figures. Sources claimed interventions by pro-revolution Lebanese activists led to the release of the hostages. “This release is a gift to the Lebanese parties supporting the uprising in Syria,” one Syrian activist claimed.