Second phase of Kefraya, Foua Shia civilian deal to be completed next month

The second phase of Kefraya and Foua deal is to be completed next month, faster than was planned, a source said.

The second phase of Kefraya and Foua deal is to be completed next month, faster than was planned, a source said.

The deal was planned to take place next June. However it was hastened after the relative success of the first phase, the source, well-informed of the deal details, told news websites. 

Another 7,000 residents of the two besieged towns in Idlib countryside are going to be evacuated next month, in exchange for the evacuation of foreign-backed militants and their families from Madaya and Zabadani, the source added, on condition of anonymity. 

Earlier this month, 9,000 residents of Foua and Kefraya were evacuated in exchange of thousands of militants and their families from Madaya and Zabadani in the first phase of a deal reached between the Syrian government and terrorist groups, namely Nusra Front. 

Foua and Kefraya have been under a militant siege for more than three years, while the towns of Zabadani and Madaya are surrounded by pro-government forces.