Syrian government releases 3 women prisoners in swap deal

Syria released three Syrian women prisoners, in response to a swap deal with Lebanese captives, bringing the total number of women released by authorities until now to 64. Amongst the three released is a journalist, arrested in April on the grounds of reporting for an opposition TV station, and a blogger, according to the Syrian Human Rights Watch. Security forces had released 61 female prisoners over a two-day period on October 22 and 23. Meanwhile, the Syrian human rights organisation said that fighting had erupted between rebels and government forces in Homs, as news emerged that the rebels have seized control of a barricade that separates Homs from Damascus, Tadmor and the Iraqi borders. The reports added that a senior military intelligence officer was also killed after succumbing to his injuries during clashes a few days ago.