Number of female prisoners released, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim exerts further pressure on Turkey

      
A number of female prisoners held in Damascus were released on Friday, some of whom were on the exchange list of the kidnappers of the Lebanese hostages held in Syria's Aazaz, the state-run National News agency reported.       

The agency added that the “humanitarian initiative” was made to mark the holy month of Ramadan, noting that General Security head Major General Abbas Ibrahim is exerting further pressure on the Turkish authorities in a bid to settle the file of the Lebanese hostages held in Aazaz.        

Eleven Lebanese pilgrims were kidnapped on their way back from Iran by insurgents hoping to use them for a prisoner swap on the 22nd of May. Only two have so far been released.          

Their families have vowed to continue their movements until all their loved ones have returned home safe and sound.    

They accuse Ankara of sponsoring the kidnapping and the Lebanese government of inaptness in this regard.           

On April 10, they prevented several Syrian nationals who operate businesses in some Beirut areas from opening shop, stating that such movements symbolize their sense of desperation.