Earlier in November, reports said, citing Turkish sources, that Syrian opposition representatives had met with Russian representatives in Ankara. The talks, brokered by Turkey and attended by Turkish-influenced groups, reportedly focused on negotiating a deal to end the conflict in Aleppo.
On Thursday, Samir Nashar, an opposition official from the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces confirmed that the talks had lasted for three days. Nashar said UN Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura's proposals on corridors to allow safe passage for civilians in exchange for a ceasefire were discussed but no deal was reached as fighters were set on continuing resistance.
Over recent months, Aleppo became major battleground in Syria, engaging government forces, jihadists, and numerous opposition groups. Eastern Aleppo is currently encircled by government troops, and the fighting has affected thousands of civilians still trapped in the city. Previous internationally mediated ceasefires have collapsed as militants continued attacks and opposition failed to expel terrorists from the city.
Earlier in the week, Syrian government forces made major strides in east Aleppo, liberating almost half of the area by late Monday, according to the Russian reconciliation center in Syria.
