TODAY’S MESOP SYRIA INSIGHT

Fighting between rival opposition groups, al Qaeda backed al-Nusra Front and the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), has forced an estimated 60,000 people to flee their homes in Syria’s eastern province of Deir al-Zour, according to the British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Around four days of heavy clashes were sparked after Nusra Front fighters overtook Abreeha, empting the town as well as the towns of al-Busayrah and al-Zir. Meanwhile, on Monday the governor of Homs, Talal al-Barazi said a deal for the evacuation of rebel fighters from the Old City will be implemented in the next 48-hours. The agreement between opposition fighters and the Syrian government was reached Friday, however the withdrawal of about 2,250 fighters, civilians, and wounded people had been delayed.