Around 1,500 Militants to Be Withdrawn From Syria's Harasta - Source

Harasta is one of the three major terrorist strongholds in Eastern Ghouta which are currently surrounded by the Syrian government forces.

"According to the agreements, over 6,000 people, including 1,500 militants, are expected to be evacuated today. Buses and ambulances have been prepared for the evacuation," the source said.

Earlier on Thursday, the Russian Defense Ministry said that a total of 86,123 people had been able to leave Eastern Ghouta with the help of the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation since the humanitarian pauses went into effect.

The situation in Eastern Ghouta has been tense over the past weeks, resulting in ongoing shelling by local militants on Damascus and fire from the Syrian pro-government forces. Damascus says it opens fire in response to shelling from Eastern Ghouta, but Western countries are accusing the Syrian government and Russia of being responsible for the escalation of tensions in the area.

READ MORE: Syrian Army Reportedly Surrounds Town of Douma in East Ghouta

On February 24, the UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2401 that urges all parties to the conflict in Syria to immediately stop hostilities and adhere to a humanitarian ceasefire for at least 30 days across the whole of Syria in order to ensure the safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid, as well as the medical evacuation of injured people. Despite the adopted document, clashes in the area have continued.

READ MORE: Syrian Army Gives Group of Eastern Ghouta Militants Until 1 PM GMT to Pull Out

Soon after the UN adoption of the resolution, Russia announced a daily five-hour humanitarian break in the fighting to prevent more casualties among the population and allow civilians leave Eastern Ghouta.