Syrian rebels surrender last rebel-held area near Homs

International Desk: Syrian rebels have agreed to surrender an enclave north of the country's third largest city after relenting to intense government bombardment and a debilitating siege.

After withstanding seven years of bombing, rebels agreed evacuate the towns of Houla, Rastan, and Talbiseh in the countryside north of Homs, and allow government forces to re-establish state institutions.

Al-Ikhbariya TV said on Thursday the rebels agreed to the Russian-sponsored deal that will allow their exile to northern Syria.

"The Syrian army and armed groups reached an agreement with Russian sponsorship for the armed groups to exit," said a military media unit run by Lebanon's Hezbollah, which fights in support of Damascus.

Al Jazeera's Zeina Khodr, reporting from Beirut, said buses were expected to arrive in the countryside on Saturday and the rebels had already begun handing over their heavy weaponry.

"For residents who cannot stay because they were involved in opposition activities, they will be bussed to the north of the country," she said.

Source: Al Jazeera


risingbd/May 4, 2018/Mukul