WEB DESK

Syrian rebel groups have pulled out of more towns in the Eastern Ghouta, as the government tightens its grip on the enclave outside Damascus.

Buses carrying fighters, their families and others left the area late yesterday, leaving the city of Douma as the last rebel-held stronghold.

The evacuations followed a deal between government forces and a local rebel group, Faylaq al-Rahman.

About 70 percent of the Eastern Ghouta is reportedly now under government control.

Hundreds of people have been killed since Syrian government forces, supported by the Russian military, launched an offensive on the rebel-held territory last month.