This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-35048404
The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 3 | Version 4 |
---|---|
Syria crisis: Rebels 'leave Homs' under truce | Syria crisis: Rebels 'leave Homs' under truce |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Syrian rebels have begun evacuating the last district they hold in the city of Homs under a ceasefire deal reached with the government, monitoring groups and activists said. | |
The deal means the entire city returns to government control. | The deal means the entire city returns to government control. |
Those leaving are due to go to areas of Idlib province still in rebel hands. | Those leaving are due to go to areas of Idlib province still in rebel hands. |
Homs, in central Syria, was once dubbed the "capital of the revolution" and saw some of the first protests against President Bashar al-Assad, in 2011. | Homs, in central Syria, was once dubbed the "capital of the revolution" and saw some of the first protests against President Bashar al-Assad, in 2011. |
Buses arrived on Wednesday to transport fighters and their families out of the Homs suburb of al-Wair, activist network the Local Co-ordination Committees said. | |
About 800 people, including rebel fighters and civilians, are due to depart throughout Wednesday, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said. | |
Fighters linked to al-Qaeda are among those due to leave, but moderate groups who have accepted the ceasefire are expected to remain. | |
Under the UN-backed deal, food aid has reached the suburb for the first time in nearly a year. | |
The Syrian Red Crescent tweeted (in Arabic) that its teams were operating in the area but few details were available on the conditions on the ground. | |
Homs: The Syrian revolution's fallen 'capital' | |
Homs during the uprising: A profile | |
Ahead of the deal, the Syrian authorities said they released 35 opposition fighters detained in Homs. | Ahead of the deal, the Syrian authorities said they released 35 opposition fighters detained in Homs. |
"We wish for the best," said one resident. "What do we want but safety?" | "We wish for the best," said one resident. "What do we want but safety?" |
An estimated 75,000 people still live in al-Wair, down from about 300,000 before the start of the Syrian crisis. | |
Some Syrian activists argue the deal is effectively a surrender forced by punishing blockades. | |
But others have defended the truce struck in al-Wair on the grounds that some groups will be allowed to keep their own weapons and control over their own communities. | |
Are you in Homs or know someone who is? Are you affected by the issues raised in this story? Email haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk with your experience. | |
If you are willing to speak further to a BBC journalist, please include a contact telephone number. | |
Email your pictures to yourpics@bbc.co.uk, upload them here, tweet them to @BBC_HaveYourSay or text 61124. If you are outside the UK, send them to the international number +44 7624 800 100. | |
Or WhatsApp us on +44 7525 900971 | |
Read our terms and conditions. | |
Or comment below. | |