Syrians Begin Leaving Last Rebel-Held Town Near Capital

Evacuation of Douma by rebel fighters and civilians marks major victory for Assad regime

Civilians and fighters Monday began leaving the last rebel stronghold near Damascus, marking a major victory for the Assad regime in its relentless assault to secure the Syrian capital after a yearslong civil war.

The first busses with fighters and their families departed Douma, the biggest town in the Eastern Ghouta suburb, for northern Syria after the rebels there struck a deal with the government, according to local activists.

...