Citing a military source, Russia’s RIA Novosti reported yesterday that the remaining militants have left Aleppo, which is now fully controlled by the Syrian army.
Later, the Syrian army confirmed in a statement that the whole city is now under the control of Damascus.
The last convoy evacuating militants from eastern Aleppo has left the city, the source said. “This convoy is the last one. Now we can say that all militants have left Aleppo, and the city is fully controlled by the Syrian army," the source said.
"The command of the Syrian army declares that peace and security returned to the city of Aleppo,” the army's statement read.
“This victory is of strategic importance and has become critical in the fight against terrorism on the one hand and dealing a blow to terrorists' project and all who supports them,” the Syrian army said. “This victory has proven the ability of the Syrian army and its allies to win the fight against terrorist groups, and it marks the beginning of a new stage in the liberation of the entire Syrian territory from terrorists.”
Earlier Thursday, Lebanese media reported that the last convoy, consisting of 15 cars and 4 buses, has begun to leave eastern Aleppo.
Iran’s Press TV reports the city of Aleppo has been fully cleared of foreign-backed militants after four years of partial occupation by them.
