Rebels leave Homs as ceasefire deal begins

The implementation of a ceasefire in the Syrian city of Homs has reportedly begun, with bus loads of people leaving the last rebel-held area.

Overseen by the UN, the halt in fighting was agreed some 10 days ago between the government and local insurgents.

Residents are hoping to soon return to their homes.

One man from the old city of Homs told reporters: “Everything is good. I’m a resident here and I’m thinking of opening my own shop here. I’m butcher, and as you can see, there’s a grocery shop and other shops. Everything is good and we hope it will stay like this.”

The evacuation deal is expected to see thousands of opposition fighters and civilians leave the last district of Homs still under rebel control.

On Monday authorities also released more than 30 opposition prisoners.

A woman who lives in the Waer district where the ceasefire was struck said: “We hope things get back to the way they used to be, back to our homes. We hope all of Syria will be able to recover its safety and security”.

The deal in Homs is the second local ceasefire agreement in Syria in recent months.

New footage from the area shows the extent of the damage after years of conflict.

Syrian rebels have struck a deal with Assad to leave the city of Homs https://t.co/vZ1QNhgkbz

— The Independent (@Independent) December 9, 2015

As Syrian rebels leave Homs as part of a ceasefire, we profile the ancient city https://t.co/PYbIkKkmUepic.twitter.com/7Lt3JGT3Bd

— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) December 9, 2015

Aid reaches #Syrian rebel-held area of #Homshttps://t.co/FOR0pYfsyypic.twitter.com/zvBvK840Yu

— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) December 6, 2015

Aid convoy enters last rebel stronghold in #Syria's #Homs city https://t.co/Ywa5cVoUanpic.twitter.com/6Q5soVbw9z

— China Xinhua News (@XHNews) December 5, 2015