As UN evacuates Homs, authorities detain some residents for questioning

2014-02-11 78

A chaotic evacuation in the besieged city of Homs.

A United Nations convoy is there to help Syrian residents evacuate as part of a UN-brokered deal.

But despite a ceasefire, the threat of sniper fire still looms.

Reuters cannot independently verify the video, which was obtained from a social media website.

Hundreds lined up, taking only what they could carry.

In Switzerland, a spokeswoman for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees says some evacuees are being questioned by Syrian authorities.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNHCR SPOKESWOMAN MELISSA FLEMING SAYING:

"These are men and they are being questioned by authorities in the presence of UNHCR and UNICEF in a school on the outskirts of Homs."

The spokeswoman added that the agency's main concern was helping civilians out of the city.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNHCR SPOKESWOMAN MELISSA FLEMING SAYING:

"We are trying to make sure that all civilians who want to get out of Homs can get out a

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