Damascus (Xinhua): Syrian authorities released on Saturday about 260 political detainees, in another endeavor by the Syrian government to control recent turmoil erupted in the southern province of Daraa, media sources reported.

The reports said that most of the detainees were Islamists and Kurds, which were not confirmed by the government.

The move came two days after the government offered a package of compromises, including the release of all detainees involved in Daraa’s recent turmoil, and salary increases for government employees.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has set free hundreds of political prisoners since he took office in 2000.