HOMS, Syria (AFP) - A first group of civilians was evacuated from besieged rebel-held areas of Homs on Friday under a UN-supervised deal between the Syrian government and opposition.

Some 12 civilians came out on the first evacuation bus, among nearly 200 expected to be evacuated during the day, an AFP correspondent reported.

State television broadcast footage of the vehicle leaving a meeting point just outside one of the besieged areas.