The Syrian army has moved into Homs, a now-former rebel stronghold
Syrian government forces have entered the city of Homs after a two-year siege by opposition fighters, Reuters reports.
The U.N.-supervised evacuation was part of a deal struck between the government and opposition forces. In the deal, Syrian rebels were transported to northern parts of the country still held by the resistance. In exchange, rebel forces released dozens of pro-government prisoners.
Opposition fighters took hold of Homs in 2011, but government forces have gradually been regaining parts of the city over the last two years. Much of the city has been completely destroyed by near-constant bombardments.
Syrian state television reported two soldiers died Friday while searching for mines and explosives potentially left by fleeing rebel fighters. More than 150,000 people are believed to have been killed in the conflict since it began approximately three years ago.
[Reuters]