Ambulances and Red Crescent vehicles entered Syria's besieged town of Daraya as thousands of rebels and civilians prepared to evacuate on Friday ahead of its takeover by government forces, France 24 reported.

It was unclear exactly when residents and fighters would start leaving the devastated town near the capital Damascus that has been under rebel control since 2012.

An estimated 4,000 people remain in the town, despite a government siege lasting four years and regular regime bombardment.

Daraya is located just 15 minutes drive from Damascus and is even closer to the government's Mazzeh air base.

Source: MENA