The Syrian regime has finally regained control of beleaguered east Aleppo from rebel control after coming to terms with several conditions agreed by both sides to include letting the rebels leave the city.
In a recent update published on CNN, this was confirmed by Vitaly Churkin, Russia's Ambassador to the United Nations during the UN Security Council meeting Tuesday, which follows an agreement regarding the cessation of hostilities and evacuation of civilians and rebel fighters from the city.
The Syrian civil war has claimed over 300,000 lives and displaced hundreds of thousands of civilians.
The announcement came shortly after United Nations Secretary General Ban ki-Moon announced that the UN has received disturbing reports that atrocities are being committed by the Syrian military and militia forces. A report by the High Commissioner for Human Rights Rupert Colville reveals that no less than 82 civilians were executed in their homes Monday. The casualties included children and women.
The UN, according to UN Special Envoy to Syria Staffan de Mistura, still needs to validate the report since the Syrian national media has not yet released any information regarding the ceasefire from their end.
"We need to verify that on the ground, that they have reached an agreement with the armed opposition. It is imminent, if not already taking place. It's not clear to me yet as for whether they are allowed to withdraw with their light weapons, which was one of the issues which had been discussed, or without weapons," Mistura said.
The Syrian civil war started when rebel fighters stormed Aleppo and took control of the second largest city in Syria wrestling it from government control. The United States backed the rebel fighters. The Syrian military, on the other hand, was supported by Russia and Turkey.
With the ceasefire in place according to journalists covering the field, civilians are being informed to prepare for evacuation to the western and northern countrysides of Aleppo. Humanitarian groups have already started dispatching aid and logistical support for in the war-torn areas to focus on transporting children, women and injured to safe refuge.
"Over the last hour, we've received information that the military activities in east Aleppo have stopped. So there's no question about the cessation of hostilities, or humanitarian operations. The Syrian government has established control over east Aleppo so now the stage has come for practical humanitarian initiatives," Churkin said when he made the announcement.
Officials from both parties concerned confirmed the involvement of Turkey in mediating the talks between the opposing sides. This was also confirmed by the Turkish Foreign Affairs Ministry that the negotiations took place between the Russian military and rebel leaders in Aleppo. With the ceasefire in effect, this may finally put an end to the five-year Syrian civil war and hopefully restore peace in Aleppo.
