Rebels start to withdraw heavy arms from Idlib buffer zone

World
Europe

Rebel groups in Syria began to withdraw heavy weaponry from a buffer zone agreed by Turkey and Russia in northwest Syria on Saturday, rebels said, ahead of a deadline to set up the demilitarized area.

The process of withdrawing has begun, but the fighters would remain in their positions within the demilitarized zone, according to The Turkey-backed National Front for Liberation (NFL) rebel alliance.

The NFL statement also said that rebels who remained will assist Turkish troops monitoring and patrolling the area.

A Russian soldier stands guard at the Abu Duhur crossing on the eastern edge of Idlib province, September 25, 2018. /VCG Photo

The removal of heavy weapons began on Saturday and will last for a number of days, said two Turkey-backed Syrian rebel officials.

Heavy weaponry will be extracted, such as rocket launchers and artillery vehicles, and will be brought 20 km (12 miles) from the contact line between insurgents in Syria's rebel-held Idlib province and government forces, a rebel group commander said.

"Light and medium weapons and heavy machine guns up to 57 mm will remain in place."

Syrians arrive at the Abu Duhur crossing on the eastern edge of Idlib province, September 25, 2018. /VCG Photo

The Turkey-Russia agreement halted a threatened Syrian government offensive. Under the deal, rebels are required to withdraw by the middle of this month and heavy arms must be withdrawn by October 10.

The main jihadist group in the Idlib area, Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has yet to say whether it will comply with the agreement.

It is said that fighting between HTS and Turkey-backed rebels erupted on Friday near the demilitarization zone, but the situation was calm after the two sides reached a deal.

(With input from agencies)

(Cover photo: Syrian rebels from "National Liberation Front" take part in military training at an unknown location in the northern countryside of the Idlib province, September 11, 2018. /VCG Photo )

6776km