DHAKA: A group of Greek Orthodox nuns kidnapped by rebels in the Syrian Christian town of Maaloula in December have been released.

The 13 nuns and their three helpers were said to have been freed as part of a prisoner exchange.

The women have been taken to the town of Judaydat Yabus on the Syrian-Lebanon border, Lebanese state media reported, says the BBC.

Rights groups say kidnappings by both rebel groups and government forces have become increasingly common.

The capture of the nuns had raised fears that Christians were becoming a target for the rebels.

BDST: 1701 HRS, MAR 10, 2014