Two Shiite towns in rural Idlib to be fully evacuated as per new deal

The Syrian government and jihadi groups in Idlib province have reached an agreement to evacuate all residents of two besieged towns in exchange of mass prisoners’ release.

According to the agreement, all 6900 residents (fighters as well civilians) of Fouaa and Kafraya will be evacuated to the government-held southern Aleppo countryside.

For its part, the Syrian government shall release up to 1500 prisoners, including 36 militants from al-Qaeda-linked Hay’at Tahrir al-Sham group.

Civilians of Ishtabraq village who were formerly kidnapped by jihadists will be also freed up.