Harasta Declared Free of Terrorism

DAMASCUS COUNTRYSIDE, (ST)-The city of Harasta in Damascus was declared free of terrorism on Friday after the second batch of gunmen and their families, who reject reconciliation, were evacuated from the city in implementation of an agreement on evacuating gunmen from Harasta to Idleb.

The process of evacuating the second batch of militants and their families from Harasta to Idleb province started Friday morning in preparation for restoring normal life to the city and for the return of state institutions to the area.  

 SANA reporter said that 59 buses carrying 3034 people including 1072 gunmen among who are 111 ringleaders left Harasta today after handing over their heavy and medium weapons. The gunmen detonated an ammunition depot before leaving. A number of persons, including four volunteers of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC), were injured in the explosion.

Later, army engineering units entered the city to clear it of mines and explosive devices.

 The buses were set to move together at the same time and head to Idleb.

The total number of buses that left Harasta today and yesterday reached 89 with 4614 people, including 1458 gunmen on board.

 Yesterday, the first batch of gunmen and their families left Harasta under the supervision of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent. 30 buses carrying 1580 people, including 413 gunmen, left the city.

Smoke was seen in different parts of Harasta as the terrorists burnt their weapon warehouses and their headquarters which include documents about the terrorist groups aiming to hide their foreign affiliation.

On Thursday, units of the Syrian Arab Army liberated 13 abductees who were held inside the city of Harasta near Eastern Ghouta in Damascus countryside. The released abductees were taken to the hospital to check their health condition and get necessary medical treatment.

Hamda Mustafa