HMEYMIM (Latakia, Syria) (Sputnik) – Some 169 civilians have left the Syrian city of Aleppo via aid corridors and 69 militants laid down their arms since the start of humanitarian operation there, the Russian Defense Ministry said Saturday.
"Since the beginning of the humanitarian operation from areas controlled by illegal armed groups through the crossing points left 169 civilians, 69 militants laid down their weapons, qualified medical aid was provided to 59 in need," Lt. Gen. Sergei Chvarkov, chief of the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation said.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Thursday that Moscow and Damascus had launched a joint large-scale humanitarian relief operation in Aleppo, establishing three corridors for civilians and one for militants wishing to lay down arms.