Assyrians Captured By ISIS Now At 150, Negotiations for Their Release in Progress

Killed fighting ISIS, from left: Julian Osi, Marius Hurmiz, Joseph Afeh, Haysam.

The following excerpts are from AINA.org:

Hasaka, Syria (AINA) -- The number of Assyrians captured by ISIS in yesterday's attacks is now estimated to be at 150. ISIS attacked the 35 Assyrian villages on the Khabur river in Hasaka, Syria, killing at least 4 Assyrians guards who were defending their villages. There has been fierce fighting since yesterday between ISIS and Assyrian and Kurdish militia. Up to 130 ISIS members have been killed.

Negotiations to free some of the hostages are ongoing. Prominent Arab Sheiks in Hasaka are acting as intermediaries between ISIS and Assyrian leaders. The Sheiks are pushing ISIS to at least release the Assyrians who did not fight. According to sources in Hasaka, ISIS has agreed in principle to release those Assyrians who offered no resistance but flatly rejected releasing those who fought back.

The group of Assyrians that may be released is believed to be being held in Abdul Aziz Mountain, approximately 60 kilometers from the Assyrian villages where they were captured. This group of Assyrians is from the villages of Tel Goran, Abu Tina and Tel Jazira.

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Assyrians Captured By ISIS Now At 150, Negotiations for Their Release in Progress