Syrian rebels say they are making a "tactical retreat" from the besieged district of Baba Amr in Homs because of worsening humanitarian conditions.
A statement by the Baba Amr rebels brigade says the decision has been made to spare some 4000 civilian residents who have insisted on staying in their homes.
In the statement, the rebels warn government troops against carrying out "revenge" attacks targeting civilians. It says any such action will "cost the regime dearly".
Burhan Ghalioun, head of the opposition Syrian National Council, told a news conference in Paris that rebels have relocated from some areas but said the resistance in Baba Amr "is still strong".
The government vowed on Wednesday to "cleanse" Baba Amr from "gunmen".
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The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 17 Syrians civilians were killed on Thursday in fighting around Baba Amr, as regime forces seized control of the district.
The group said troops were searching for rebels and making arrests.
