Evacuation 1500 fighters from Ghouta

beirut/harasta - The Syrian government and insurgents in an enclave east of Damascus have agreed on the evacuation of fighters to the northwest of Syria. This reported several observers. Buses are ready to transport the estimated 1500 fighters and possibly 6000 relatives from Harasta.

Harasta is a stronghold of Sunni extremists who have been besieged in this region, East Ghouta, for years. It will be the first evacuation of warriors from East Ghouta, which has been divided into three surrounded areas by the offensive of the Syrian army and allies. Harasta is the smallest with a size of roughly 2 by 2 kilometers.

On Thursday, thirteen imprisoned government soldiers were released from Harasta in exchange for five fighters. Several combat groups are active in the enclave, mainly Sunni extremists.

Shiite militias of the Lebanese Hezbollah movement are among their opponents. He reported the news about the evacuation first. Hezbollah fighters are a crucial part of President Assad's armed forces, which is not itself a Sunni. Hezbollah was also decisive in the fall of East Aleppo, which was besieged for years. It came back to the government when jihadists and rebels agreed at the end of 2016 to go under a free conduct to northwest Syria. There are still large areas in the hands of jihadists and other insurgents.

Just north of Harasta lies the besieged suburb of Duma. It is being abandoned by a growing number of citizens. In the past few days, an estimated 50,000 people have left Duma.