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Picking Up the Pieces: Residents of Syrian Homs Return to Peaceful Life (VIDEO)

© AFP 2023 / STRSyrians residents of Homs return to the old town of Syria's central city (File)
Syrians residents of Homs return to the old town of Syria's central city (File) - Sputnik International
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The residents of Homs are now finally able to return to their homes and start rebuilding their lives after the Syrian army finally managed to drive the remaining militants from the city.

The city of Homs which served as a militant’s stronghold for many years and even was regarded by many as the ‘capital’ of the uprising, finally capitulated in the face of the irresistible advance of the Syrian army.

The militants defending the city were offered a choice: lay down their weapons and surrender in exchange for amnesty or leave the city with their families and travel to other militant-held areas. It should also be noted that such evacuees were allowed to retain their small arms.

As of now, a total of 130 militants accompanied by their family members have left the area and headed for the town of El-Dara El-Habira, located in the northern part of the Homs region.

The Syrian military provides protection and escort during this exodus, ensuring that no blood is spilled as the militants vacate the city.

In the meantime, the liberated districts of Homs are gradually returning to normal life. Children can finally go back to school.

Hundreds of civilians were finally able to return to their homes in Al-Mazraa district, located near Al-Waer, from which they were earlier forced to flee due to the constant mortar shelling and sniper attacks perpetrated by the militants.

One of these residents, a man named Abu Akhmed, told Sputnik that the people are glad to finally return home.

"We’re happy that the militants left our districts. A year ago one of their snipers shot my son when he was working in al-Waer," he said.

The adults are now working hard to remove the barricades erected by militants, fix damaged roads and repair their dwellings, while children can now freely play in the streets without fear.

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