Syrian rebels have freed 48 Iranians in exchange for the Syrian government releasing more than 2,000 prisoners.

Turkish aid group IHH says it helped coordinate the swap, and that the prisoners released by Syria include nationals from Turkey and other countries.

Rebels kidnapped the Iranians in August in Damascus, alleging they were part of Iran's Revolutionary Guards on a “reconnaissance mission.” Iran denied the claim, saying the detainees were on a religious pilgrimage.

Iran is Syria's strongest regional ally.