The released Iranians were abducted by Syrian militants in the capital of Damascus in August 2012.

 

　　Iran claimed they were pilgrims, while the Syrian rebels alleged that they were Iranian military officials.

 

　　The freed men were warmly greeted in Damascus by Iran's ambassador to Syria, Mohammad Riza Shibani.

 

　　"Today we applaud the Iranian people the return of their sons to their homeland safely. We offer our beautiful heartfelt congratulations to the families, the sons that endured a lot of pain and tears, and had been patient, and God always has been with the patient."

 

　　More than 2-thousand prisoners, including two Turkish nationals held by the Syrian government were also involved in the swap deal.

 

　　Rebels in Syria are still holding nine Lebanese Shiite pilgrims in the northern province of Aleppo as mediations are underway to secure their release.