Rebels free prisoners

BEIRUT: Syrian rebels have released 13 of their prisoners to the government, before a planned evacuation that will see a besieged town near Damascus handed over to government forces.

The men, who identified themselves to the media as soldiers and civilians attached to the Syrian army, who were captured by rebels in the fighting for Harasta, cried in relief.

They thanked God, the Syrian army and President Bashar Assad for their freedom.

About 7 500 rebels, their family members and other civilians were expected to leave Harasta today. – AP