The Islamic terrorist group ISIS surprised observers by releasing over 200 Yazidis after keeping them hostages for eight months.

Most of the freed captives were elderly, in poor health and bore signs of abuse and neglect.  General Hiwa Abdullah told the Associated Press that 40 of the freed captives were children.

The terrorists reportedly gave no reason for the captive’s release.

The captives who were able to speak with reporters shared stories of their captivity and kidnapping.  Jar-Allah Frensis, 88, said the terrorists stormed his home in Sinjar and took him along with his wife and son.

“The militants took all of our money and jewelry. We have been living under constant fear till our release,” Frensis told The Associated Press.

Frensis says he doesn’t know what happened to his son.

ISIS released 200 prisoners in January and the Kurdish military said the believed the release was because the prisoners were too much of a burden for their captors.