Syria militants force civilians to stay in Homs: Governor

Syria militants force civilians to stay in Homs: Governor
Sun Feb 16, 2014 21:35:07

Militants in Syria have forced Homs residents to stay in the town as the government is trying to evacuate people who have been suffering from occupation of the strategic area by foreign-backed militants.

Homs governor Talal Barazi said in a statement on Sunday that, "the evacuation of civilians was not carried out yesterday (Saturday) because some of the armed groups prevented the citizens inside from moving to the transit point to leave".

"The province will continue its efforts with the United Nations to evacuate all those who wish to leave," he added.

The Syrian government has been helping the United Nations and Syria's Red Crescent to evacuate trapped civilians and deliver aid inside besieged parts of Homs since February 7.

The work was made possible by a deal that included a ceasefire which was extended twice, but expired on Saturday.

Syria militants have since stopped people from leaving.

The UN and Red Crescent were able to evacuate some 1,400 of the 3,000 people estimated to be trapped in Homs for more than 18 months.

SHI/SHI

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