Syrian opposition fighters and civilians began leaving parts of Homs and Hama provinces on Monday (May 7th) under a negotiated withdrawal that will see expanded regime control, AFP reported.
Opposition fighters agreed with regime forces and their allies to a ceasefire deal last week for parts of the central provinces of Hama and Homs, including the opposition-held towns of Talbiseh, al-Rastan and al-Houla.
Under the deal, thousands would leave the area for an opposition-controlled zone in Syria's north.
State media on Monday reported that more than 60 buses carrying hundreds of opposition fighters and their families were ready to depart for the north, with the evacuation set to take place over two days.
The opposition fighters are expected to head to Idlib province or the town of Jarablus, in neighbouring Aleppo province.
The deal also provided for the surrender of heavy weapons to the Syrian regime and allied forces, the return of government institutions to the three towns, and the reopening of a key highway.
