Syrian army says it has retaken Aleppo, last rebels evacuated
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 22 December 2016 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Syrian army says it has retaken Aleppo, last rebels evacuated, 22 December 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5975a396a.html [accessed 23 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
Last Updated: December 22, 2016
Syrian pro-government forces walk as snow falls in Aleppo on December 21.
The Syrian Army says it has retaken Aleppo entirely as the last group of rebel fighters has been evacuated.
Syrian state television said that the last group of rebels and their families remaining in a small enclave in eastern Aleppo were evacuated on December 22 under a deal that gives the army and its allies full control of the city after years of fighting.
Ahmed Qorra Ali, an official with the rebel group Ahrar al-Sham, confirmed that "the last convoy has left the rebel-controlled area."
According to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), some 30,000 people have been bused out of eastern Aleppo since last week.
The evacuation was conducted under a cease-fire deal brokered by Russia and Turkey after Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces and their allies drove rebels out of most of eastern Aleppo in an offensive criticized by the UN, the United States, and human rights groups for the high death toll inflicted on civilians in the city.
The ancient city has been divided into rebel and government parts since 2012.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP
Based on reporting by AP and AFP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
