HOMS, Syria (AP) — Syrian authorities released 35 opposition detainees on Monday in the central city of Homs, ahead of a deal that will lead to the departure of thousands of opposition fighters.

The 35 were released at the governor's office in the city, whose residents were among the first to rise up against Syrian President Bashar Assad in 2011.

Their release is part of a deal to evacuate opposition fighters from the neighborhood of Waer, the only area of Homs under rebel control. The fighters will start to leave Waer later this week for other rebel-held areas.

Homs Governor Talal Barrazi said this is the fifth detainee release in recent weeks, with more to come.

Among those released was Dahouk Qudzi, 62, who was held for two years. She said her son is a detainee as well.