UPDATE - Syria: Hundreds leave Waer district in Homs

UPDATES WITH TURKISH RED CRESCENT CHAIRMAN INTERVIEW

By Adham Kako, Halit Suleyman, Levent Tok and Mohamad Misto

HOMS, Syria (AA) – The first group of opposition fighters and civilians left the Syrian city of Homs on Saturday under a Russian-backed deal between the opposition and Syrian regime, according to local sources.

Some 1,500 fighters and civilians aboard 40 buses left Waer, the last opposition-held district in Homs, to Jarabulus in northern Syria, the sources said on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on speaking to media.

More groups of fighters and civilians are expected to leave the district in the next two months.

Waer district has been under a siege by regime forces for four years.

More than 20,000 people have applied to leave the district under the deal, which was concluded on March 13.

At least 12,000 people will be transferred to Aleppo province, 6,200 to Idlib and 2,400 will be relocated in Homs.

- Turkish Red Crescent ready to receive civilians

Speaking to Anadolu Agency in southeastern province of Gaziantep on Saturday evening, Turkish Red Crescent President Kerem Kinik said there would be around 50 injured -- three in critical situation -- among the first convoy.

"The first group will be taken to Jarabulus. AFAD [Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency] built tents and sheltering centres there," Kinik said.

He also mentioned that Turkish Red Crescent readied food and basic needs to civilians, considering that the Syrians will complete a 7-hour trip to reach Turkey.

Kinik said there is a 'risky 10-kilometer area' where the convoy is supposed to pass, "we expect both Free Syrian Army and the Syrian regime to comply with the agreement, allowing civilians to safely pass the area."