MOSCOW: 20, 000 Civilians Evacuated from Eastern Part of Aleppo, 1,217 Gunmen Drop Arms

MOSCOW– The Russian Defense Ministry stressed on Saturday that military operations against the terrorist organizations in the eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo city have been suspended to allow the evacuation of civilians who are held by the terrorists as human shields, according to SANA.

The Ministry spokesperson Major General Igor Konashenkov confirmed that “More than 20,000 residents left eastern Aleppo in the first part of Saturday, and 1,217 militants laid down their weapons.”

 The Hmemim-based Russian Reconciliation Center is monitoring the evacuation of civilians from the blocked districts round-the-clock with the use of drones.

Earlier today, SANA reporter in Aleppo said new groups of civilians who are besieged by the terrorist organizations have left the neighborhoods of al-Sukkari, al-Fridous and Salah-Eddin.

Those have been relocated in well-equipped makeshift centers in Jebrin area with the help of the army and the authorities concerned.

Meanwhile, a statement issued by the Russian Reconciliation Center said the Russian mine disposal experts continue their work alongside the engineering members within the Syrian army to clear liberated areas in the eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo.

It noted that mines have been removed in an area of 8 hectares, while explosive devices have also been removed from 24 buildings, bakery, two schools, two mosques, power stations and 4.5 km of roads.