1st LD: Damascus' Harasta city empty of rebels with last batch leaving

DAMASCUS, March 23 (Xinhua) -- The last batch of rebels and their families have evacuated the city of Harasta in Syrian capital Damascus' Eastern Ghouta countryside on Friday, leaving the city empty of rebels, according to the state TV.

The evacuation of rebels and their families from Harasta started on Thursday and ended Friday evening, with a total of 59 buses transporting 3,000 people, including 1,000 rebels.

The rebels in Harasta have handed over their heavy weapons to the Syrian army before they left Harasta towards rebel-held areas in the northwestern province of Idlib. Enditem