Rebel Leaders, Locals Reach Deal to End Siege, Evacuate Syrian Suburb

Daraya was one of the first places to see peaceful protests against President Bashar Assad’s rule

A deal between rebels and Syria’s army was reached Thursday to evacuate all residents and insurgents from the Damascus suburb of Daraya, according to a rebel leader, NBC News reported. 

The country’s army has surrounded rebels and civilians, blocking food deliveries since 2012, and regularly bombing the area. 

It was one of the first places to see peaceful protests against President Bashar Assad’s rule, and fought off attempts to retake it by government fires as the conflict escalated into civil war. 

The evacuation would start Friday and last for two or three days, according to the head of the biggest rebel groups in Daraya. The deal would end one of the longest stand-offs in the five-year history.

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