Over 370 Civilians Leave Militant-Controlled Areas of Aleppo Thanks to Russia

Some 372 civilians including 76 children have left militant-controlled parts of Syria's Aleppo through humanitarian corridors established by Moscow and Damascus, the Russian Center for Syrian reconciliation said. Nearly 100 militants have surrendered.

HMEIMIM (Sputnik) — Some 372 civilians have left combat zone while 94 militants have surrendered since the start of the humanitarian operation in Syria's Aleppo city, the commander of the Russian Center for Syrian reconciliation said Wednesday.

"At this point, 372 civilians, including 76 children, have left areas in Aleppo controlled by illegal armed groups while 94 militants have surrendered," Lt. Gen. Sergei Chvarkov said.

According to Chvarkov, "the terrorists are attempting to prevent local residents from leaving the eastern part of Aleppo, threatening people with public executions."

"We also receive reports indicating that the terrorists are training children and women to carry out suicide attacks," the general added.

At the weekend, Moscow and Damascus commenced a large-scale humanitarian operation in Aleppo, opening escape routes for civilians and for militants wishing to lay down arms.

Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces loyal to President Bashar Assad fighting numerous opposition factions and extremist groups.

Aleppo is partially controlled by Jabhat Fatah al Sham (previously known as the al-Nusra Front), a terrorist group outlawed in Russia and other countries along with Daesh.