Captured Syrian pilot freed as per agreement with rebels [+Pictures]

A Syrian pilot whose jet was shot down by US-backed fighters in southern Syrian has been set free.

On August 15, Lieutenant Colonel Ali al-Hilo was captured by the US-supported Osoud al-Sharqiyah group after his MIG-21 fighter jet in the eastern countryside of Swaida province in southern Syria.

The release of al-Hilo comes as part of a wider exchange deal between the Syrian government and FSA-affiliated factions in southern Syria which also resulted in freeing up to 30 captives (mostly military personnel).