Some 8,500 Civilians Flee to Government-Held Districts in Syria's Aleppo: Russia

A temporary suspension of Syrian Army military operations in Aleppo over the last 24-hour period has allowed for the organized evacuation of some 8,461 civilians, including 2,934 children, from areas of East Aleppo that remain under militant control, the Russian Center for Reconciliation said in a statement, RT reported on Friday.

In the meantime, the center added, Russian sappers continue mine and IED (improvised explosive device) removal activities in the districts, completely clearing an area of some 60,000 square meters.

Military specialists have also demined and restored Aleppo’s central water pumping station to a functional condition, as well as two power plants, two schools and two mosques.

At least 14 militants have laid down their arms and surrendered to the Syrian Army, receiving amnesty in accordance with Syrian President Bashar Assad’s decree.

On Thursday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov announced that Syrian government forces suspended “active” combat actions against Takfiri militants in eastern Aleppo to carry out a “tremendous” operation to evacuate thousands of civilians.

“Combat operations by the Syrian Army in eastern Aleppo have been suspended because the largest operation of evacuation of civilians from East Aleppo is being carried out – a column of about 8,000 people, it's a tremendous operation,” Lavrov said.