ADVERTISEMENT

Rebels begin Ghouta evacuation: state media

State television announced the "departure of 547 people from Harasta so far, including 88 fighters".

A military source told AFP the rebels and accompanying civilians had boarded buses and were waiting in a buffer zone to cross over into regime-controlled territory.

In total, around 1,500 fighters and thousands of family members are expected to leave the town of Harasta, state news agency SANA said.

The deal between the regime and the Ahrar al-Sham rebel group, which controls Harasta, was brokered by Russia and announced on Wednesday.

ADVERTISEMENT

A blistering Russia-backed regime offensive on Eastern Ghouta since February 18 has retaken 80 percent of the last opposition bastion outside the capital.

It has divided the remaining territory into three isolated pockets each held by different rebel groups.

It has killed more than 1,500 civilians and caused thousands to flee, the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.ng

Recommended articles

Deputy who dumped Akeredolu clinches PDP governorship ticket

Deputy who dumped Akeredolu clinches PDP governorship ticket

Gov inaugurates 2nd phase of palliative distribution to poor Enugu residents

Gov inaugurates 2nd phase of palliative distribution to poor Enugu residents

Flight Dispatchers fault Keyamo's order to suspend Dana Air over landing mishap

Flight Dispatchers fault Keyamo's order to suspend Dana Air over landing mishap

Respite for Nigerians as NNPC says cause of fuel scarcity has been resolved

Respite for Nigerians as NNPC says cause of fuel scarcity has been resolved

Again, JAMB extends Direct Entry registration, says 2024 UTME best in history

Again, JAMB extends Direct Entry registration, says 2024 UTME best in history

Lagos residents need real empowerment, not your food packs, LP tells Sanwo-Olu

Lagos residents need real empowerment, not your food packs, LP tells Sanwo-Olu

Ikoyi prison controller in trouble for disobeying court order on convict's whereabouts

Ikoyi prison controller in trouble for disobeying court order on convict's whereabouts

How non-communicable diseases kill most productive population – WHO expert

How non-communicable diseases kill most productive population – WHO expert

Sanwo-Olu says taxation system will eliminate the shackles of corruption

Sanwo-Olu says taxation system will eliminate the shackles of corruption

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT