Syrian military frees 19 hostages held by IS
(VOVWORLD) -Syrian troops liberated 19 women and children held hostage by the Islamic State group since July, ending a months-long crisis, state media reported Thursday.
An opposition war monitor said the release was part of a prisoner exchange.
The SANA news agency said a military operation in the Hamima area east of Palmyra killed all the IS fighters in the area where the hostages were held.