Empire States Blog

ALEPPO BATTLE: ALEPPO 'BACK UNDER GOVERNMENT CONTROL'

The Syrian army says it has retaken full control of Aleppo, following the evacuation of the last group of rebels.

In a statement, the army said it had "returned security to Aleppo" and called it a "crushing blow" for rebels.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed "all civilians who wished to be evacuated have been, as well as the wounded and fighters".

This is the biggest victory for President Bashar al-Assad since the uprising against him began in 2011.

                                                           

At least 34,000 civilians and rebel fighters have been removed from eastern Aleppo over the past week, a UN official said earlier.

Heavy snow, strong winds and the poor state of vehicles have slowed the evacuation, forcing thousands of people to wait for hours in freezing conditions.  

             

The UN, which is monitoring the pull-out, called the process "traumatic, with crowding and vulnerable people waiting for hours and exposed to sub-zero temperatures".

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