The final batch of Syrian rebels and their families started leaving the last opposition-held neighborhood in the central city of Homs on Saturday, according to the provincial governor.

Buses at the entrance of the al-Waer district were on standby to transport the opposition fighters, who were allowed to carry their light weapons, and boarded along with women and children. Many were headed toward Idlib Province in Syria's northwest, or the town of Jarablus that borders Turkey.

Homs governor Talal Barrazi said that 3,000 people, including 700 rebels, were due to leave the Waer neighborhood by the end of Saturday, and once al-Waer was free of rebels, Syrian government forces were expected to enter the neighborhood on Sunday.

Rebel fighters and their families evacuate the besieged al-Waer  neighborhood, after an agreement was reached with Syria's army, in Homs, May 20, 2017. / VCG Photo

Government forces captured one Homs neighborhood after another in recent years, until rebel fighters were isolated in al-Waer, and the siege of the district began in 2013.

The al-Waer deal, which is backed by Syria's ally Russia, began to be implemented in March of this year.

After the final phase of the evacuation ends, it will bring the city under full government control for the first time in more than five years.