Hundreds of militants hand over weapons to Syrian government forces

Hundreds of foreign-backed militants have handed over their weapons to Syrian government forces in a strategic area northwest of Damascus.

The militants surrendered their weapons, including mortar launchers and various kinds of explosive shells, in the village of Dayr Qanun in Wadi Barada valley, where a major spring supplies most of the capital’s water.

On January 29, Syrian troops established full control over the strategic valley and agreed to the evacuation of hundreds of militants from the area as part of a reconciliation agreement between armed opposition groups and the government.

Under the deal, militants could either choose to stay after giving up their weapons or be sent to Idlib, considered the last major stronghold of militants in northern Syria.