The first batch of gunmen has started to evacuate the Old City of Homs, the Governor of Homs, Talal al-Barazi, said.
The Governor announced earlier in the day that the gunmen's departure from the neighborhoods of the Old City was expected to start.
Barazi said all necessary arrangements have been made to get the process started, adding that it is likely that the process of settlement and reconciliation will begin simultaneously with the gunmen's departure so as to have Homs city cleared of arms and gunmen.
Work is underway for the operation to include all neighborhoods of Homs and not just the Old City, the Governor said.
After the gunmen are out, he added, the army units will embark on search operations to detect and dismantle explosive devices and mines and remove barricades.
Translated and edited by The Syrian Observer
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