'Deal with rebels to leave Douma'

moscow/beirut - An agreement has been reached in Syria to release all prisoners who are being held by rebels who control the city of Douma in East Ghouta. In return, the fighters are allowed to leave the city, reported the Syrian state television Sunday, with reference to an official source.

According to the agreement, the Jaish al-Islam fighters will leave Douma within 48 hours and travel to the northern city of Jarablus, near the border with Turkey, the source added. There was no direct response from Jaish al-Islam.

The rebel group holds more than 3,500 prisoners and hostages in detention facilities in Douma, said Rami Abdulrahman, director of the United Kingdom-based monitoring group Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.