The Syrian army has declared itself winner in Ostghuta region, which has been fought for years. According to state television reports, more than 1700 rebels and civilians were evacuated on Saturday. Buses brought m to province of Idlib, which is held by Oppositinskräften.

According to state news agency SANA, over past few weeks, 38,000 fighters and civilians have left Ostghuta in direction of Idlib. Currently, only Duma, largest city in Ostghuta, is in hands of rebels. An ultimatum to vacate city on Saturday could be extended according to reports of government-oriented media until Sunday. There are tens of thousands of civilians in Duma, along with rebels.

The Victory report was read in state television of Brigadier General Ali Mahjub. "The importance of this victory lies in restoring security and stability for city of Damascus and its surrounding areas after a suffering of its civilians among crimes of terrorists over several years," he said. Ostghuta is located near Damascus.

The Syrian army had launched a large-scale offensive on Ostghuta in mid-February, with support of Russian Air Force, and recaptured almost entire region. The area had been controlled by mostly Islamist rebels since 2012.

Influx of refugees to Ildib

Military successes of government forces in recent years have often been linked to agreements that granted rebels and ir families safe conduct to province of Idlib. Idlib has become one of most densely populated regions of Syria by influx of tens of thousands of people. The highest UN representative in Syria, Ali al-Satari, warned of new problems on Saturday on TV channel al-Arabija: "Idlib cannot accommodate more people."

Date Of Update: 01 April 2018, 12:02