[size=39]Updated: Evacuation of civilians from east Aleppo resumes after a day: U.N.[/size]
Evacuees from rebel-held eastern Aleppo arrive by bus to an area on the western edge of Aleppo city. REUTERS/Ammar Abdullah
(Reuters) Buses carrying Syrian civilians and fighters began leaving the last rebel-held enclave of Aleppo on Wednesday after being stalled for a day, aid officials and pro-government media reports said.
Obstacles hindering evacuations from east Aleppo and from two villages besieged by rebels outside the city had been overcome and the operation would be completed within hours, according to a news service run by the Lebanese group Hezbollah, an ally of the Syrian government.
The eventual departure of the thousands left in the insurgent zone will hand full control of the city to President Bashar al-Assad, the biggest prize of Syria’s nearly six-year-old civil war.
“Buses are now moving again from east Aleppo. We hope that this continues so that people can be safely evacuated,” a U.N. official in Syria told Reuters, as snow began to fall on Aleppo.
People had been waiting in freezing temperatures since the evacuation hit problems on Tuesday, when dozens of buses were stuck in Aleppo and the evacuation of the two Shi’ite villages, al-Foua and Kefraya, also stalled. Rebels and government forces blamed each other for the hold-up.
Charity Save the Children said heavy snows were hampering aid efforts.
“Our partners are trying to treat injured children who have fled Aleppo but the situation is dire. Many have had to have limbs amputated because they did not receive care on time, and far too many are weak and malnourished,” a statement said.
One 5-month-old girl had two broken legs, a broken arm and an open wound in her stomach, the statement said.
Many of those who had escaped Aleppo were sleeping in unheated buildings or tents in sub-zero temperatures. Children have been separated from their parents in the chaos as they run to get food when they get off the buses, the charity said.
EVACUATION PLAN
With obstructions to the evacuation plan apparently overcome, the Hezbollah news service said 20 buses carrying fighters and their families had moved from east Aleppo on Wednesday towards rebel-held countryside. Syrian TV said four buses and two ambulances arrived in government-controlled parts of Aleppo from al-Foua and Kefraya.
Government forces had insisted the two villages must be included in the deal to bring people out of east Aleppo.
So far, about 26,000 people have been evacuated from Aleppo, according to aid officials. A U.N. official said 750 people had so far been evacuated from al-Foua and Kefraya.
Aleppo’s rebel zone is a wasteland of flattened buildings, concrete rubble and bullet-pocked walls, where tens of thousands lived until recent days under intense bombardment even after medical and rescue services had collapsed.
Rebel-held parts of the once-flourishing economic center with its renowned ancient sites have been pulverized in a war which has killed more than 300,000, created the world’s worst refugee crisis and allowed for the rise of Islamic State.
But in the western part of the city, held throughout the war by the government, there were big street parties on Tuesday night, along with the lighting of a Christmas tree, as residents celebrated the end of fighting.
The Syrian army has used loudspeakers to broadcast warnings to rebels that it was about to enter their rapidly diminishing enclave and told them to speed up their evacuation.
Control of Aleppo would be a major victory for Assad, and his main allies Iran and Russia, against rebels who have defied him in Syria’s most populous city for four years.
U.N. MONITORS EVACUATION
The United Nations had said it had sent 20 more staff to east Aleppo to monitor the evacuation.
“Some have arrived yesterday and more will be arriving today and in the coming days,” Jens Laerke, U.N. spokesman in Geneva told Reuters.
Various problems have beset the evacuation, with estimates of how many have left and how many remain varying widely.
Assad’s government is backed by Russian air power and Shi’ite militias including Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement and Iraq’s Harakat al-Nujaba. The mostly Sunni rebels include groups supported by Turkey, the United States and Gulf monarchies.
For four years, the city was split between a rebel-held eastern sector and the government-held western districts. During the summer, the army and allies forces besieged the rebel sector before using intense bombardment and ground assaults to retake it in recent months.
Russian air strikes were the most important factor in Assad’s triumph. They enabled his forces to press the siege of eastern Aleppo to devastating effect.
On the ground, Shi’ite militias from as far afield as Afghanistan played an important role for Assad.
Despite victory in Aleppo, Assad still faces great challenges in restoring the power of his state. While he controls the most important cities in western Syria and on the coast, armed groups including Islamic State control swathes of territory elsewhere in the country.
Evacuees from rebel-held eastern Aleppo arrive by bus to an area on the western edge of Aleppo city. REUTERS/Ammar Abdullah
(Reuters) Buses carrying Syrian civilians and fighters began leaving the last rebel-held enclave of Aleppo on Wednesday after being stalled for a day, aid officials and pro-government media reports said.
Obstacles hindering evacuations from east Aleppo and from two villages besieged by rebels outside the city had been overcome and the operation would be completed within hours, according to a news service run by the Lebanese group Hezbollah, an ally of the Syrian government.
The eventual departure of the thousands left in the insurgent zone will hand full control of the city to President Bashar al-Assad, the biggest prize of Syria’s nearly six-year-old civil war.
“Buses are now moving again from east Aleppo. We hope that this continues so that people can be safely evacuated,” a U.N. official in Syria told Reuters, as snow began to fall on Aleppo.
People had been waiting in freezing temperatures since the evacuation hit problems on Tuesday, when dozens of buses were stuck in Aleppo and the evacuation of the two Shi’ite villages, al-Foua and Kefraya, also stalled. Rebels and government forces blamed each other for the hold-up.
Charity Save the Children said heavy snows were hampering aid efforts.
“Our partners are trying to treat injured children who have fled Aleppo but the situation is dire. Many have had to have limbs amputated because they did not receive care on time, and far too many are weak and malnourished,” a statement said.
One 5-month-old girl had two broken legs, a broken arm and an open wound in her stomach, the statement said.
Many of those who had escaped Aleppo were sleeping in unheated buildings or tents in sub-zero temperatures. Children have been separated from their parents in the chaos as they run to get food when they get off the buses, the charity said.
EVACUATION PLAN
With obstructions to the evacuation plan apparently overcome, the Hezbollah news service said 20 buses carrying fighters and their families had moved from east Aleppo on Wednesday towards rebel-held countryside. Syrian TV said four buses and two ambulances arrived in government-controlled parts of Aleppo from al-Foua and Kefraya.
Government forces had insisted the two villages must be included in the deal to bring people out of east Aleppo.
So far, about 26,000 people have been evacuated from Aleppo, according to aid officials. A U.N. official said 750 people had so far been evacuated from al-Foua and Kefraya.
Aleppo’s rebel zone is a wasteland of flattened buildings, concrete rubble and bullet-pocked walls, where tens of thousands lived until recent days under intense bombardment even after medical and rescue services had collapsed.
Rebel-held parts of the once-flourishing economic center with its renowned ancient sites have been pulverized in a war which has killed more than 300,000, created the world’s worst refugee crisis and allowed for the rise of Islamic State.
But in the western part of the city, held throughout the war by the government, there were big street parties on Tuesday night, along with the lighting of a Christmas tree, as residents celebrated the end of fighting.
The Syrian army has used loudspeakers to broadcast warnings to rebels that it was about to enter their rapidly diminishing enclave and told them to speed up their evacuation.
Control of Aleppo would be a major victory for Assad, and his main allies Iran and Russia, against rebels who have defied him in Syria’s most populous city for four years.
U.N. MONITORS EVACUATION
The United Nations had said it had sent 20 more staff to east Aleppo to monitor the evacuation.
“Some have arrived yesterday and more will be arriving today and in the coming days,” Jens Laerke, U.N. spokesman in Geneva told Reuters.
Various problems have beset the evacuation, with estimates of how many have left and how many remain varying widely.
Assad’s government is backed by Russian air power and Shi’ite militias including Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement and Iraq’s Harakat al-Nujaba. The mostly Sunni rebels include groups supported by Turkey, the United States and Gulf monarchies.
For four years, the city was split between a rebel-held eastern sector and the government-held western districts. During the summer, the army and allies forces besieged the rebel sector before using intense bombardment and ground assaults to retake it in recent months.
Russian air strikes were the most important factor in Assad’s triumph. They enabled his forces to press the siege of eastern Aleppo to devastating effect.
On the ground, Shi’ite militias from as far afield as Afghanistan played an important role for Assad.
Despite victory in Aleppo, Assad still faces great challenges in restoring the power of his state. While he controls the most important cities in western Syria and on the coast, armed groups including Islamic State control swathes of territory elsewhere in the country.
Today at 9:06 am by Rocky
» A deputy in finance expects the Council of Ministers to approve the budget schedules in today’s sess
Today at 9:02 am by Rocky
» A deputy resolves the controversy over the “transfer supplement” in two ministries
Today at 9:01 am by Rocky
» Al-Halbousi’s “vacant” seat.. Will the coordination framework end the “Taqaddum” dream of an allianc
Today at 8:59 am by Rocky
» The Federal Government issues a state order to stop the Commission’s work procedures regarding the K
Today at 8:57 am by Rocky
» Including the freedom to choose the bank and withdraw the salary for “free”... “My Account” features
Today at 8:55 am by Rocky
» The Central Bank sells more than $250 million during its daily auction
Today at 8:51 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani receives a delegation from the Union of Arab Banks
Today at 8:44 am by Rocky
» Iraq and the United States of America hold trade meetings in Washington
Today at 8:43 am by Rocky
» In pictures... The activities of the Union of Arab Banks conference in Baghdad, “Day Two”
Today at 8:42 am by Rocky
» The Director General of Ports announces the completion of berths (3) and (4) in Al-Faw Grand Port
Today at 8:40 am by Rocky
» The Council of Ministers holds its regular session headed by Al-Sudani
Today at 8:38 am by Rocky
» Parliament publishes the agenda of its session for next Thursday
Today at 8:37 am by Rocky
» A government measure to reduce "money laundering" using the buying and selling of real estate in Ira
Today at 8:35 am by Rocky
» Iraq proposes establishing a specialized council to combat corruption in Arab countries
Today at 8:32 am by Rocky
» Al-Mawarid intends to establish infrastructure and investment projects for the water sector in Iraq
Today at 8:30 am by Rocky
» The Federal Court issues a decision regarding postponing the election of the Speaker of the House of
Today at 8:28 am by Rocky
» utube 5/4/24 MM&C Iraq Dinar- IQD Update - No Float of Exchange Rate - Budget -2024 - Schedules -
Today at 6:18 am by Rocky
» utube MM&C 5/7/24 Iraq Dinar- IQD Update - Regional Trade - A Progession of Reforms - A Global Bac
Today at 6:17 am by Rocky
» A government meeting to discuss financing and implementation mechanisms for the Development Road Pro
Today at 6:12 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: Iraqi banks are on the right track with financial transfers
Today at 6:11 am by Rocky
» Al-Khazali: The Turkish side is still imposing its conditions on Iraq
Today at 6:08 am by Rocky
» Rights: We refuse to amend the bylaws of Parliament under political influence and desires
Today at 6:07 am by Rocky
» Nechirvan Barzani: We want to address all problems with Iran and begin a new phase of relations
Today at 6:05 am by Rocky
» Today, Iraq and Iran signed the minutes of a joint meeting related to trade
Today at 6:03 am by Rocky
» KPMG International begins auditing the revenues of telephone companies operating in Iraq
Today at 6:02 am by Rocky
» Oil: The seventh batch of equipment for the gas manufacturing project in the Nasiriyah and Gharraf f
Today at 6:01 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani assures the French ambassador of Iraq’s openness to “fruitful” partnerships
Today at 6:00 am by Rocky
» Government move to install gold screening devices at 4 airports
Today at 5:59 am by Rocky
» Sudanese Advisor: The oil sector is witnessing a rapid renaissance
Today at 5:58 am by Rocky
» Opening offices specialized in employing people with disabilities
Today at 5:57 am by Rocky
» Infrastructure and investment projects for the water sector in Iraq
Today at 5:56 am by Rocky
» Adopting the electronic system in the next census
Today at 5:55 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani chairs the first meeting to restructure the government apparatus
Today at 5:54 am by Rocky
» Business Council: Efforts to open a branch of the Chinese Bank in Iraq
Today at 5:53 am by Rocky
» Iraqi diplomacy is balanced openness
Today at 5:52 am by Rocky
» The head of the Integrity Commission told Al-Sabah: We are the people’s eyes on the government and s
Today at 5:51 am by Rocky
» Baghdad Provincial Council: The capital is facing a new urban and service phase
Today at 5:49 am by Rocky
» Customs, security and economic aspects
Today at 5:48 am by Rocky
» Central Governor: We face “increasing challenges” in complying with international laws
Today at 5:48 am by Rocky
» Payment of end-of-service benefits to employees referred to retirement for the month of May
Today at 5:46 am by Rocky
» Billions “evaporated”.. What is the truth about closing the “theft of the century” file in Diyala?
Today at 5:45 am by Rocky
» The Minister of Labor approves the extinguishment of debts owed by transgressors from the families o
Today at 5:43 am by Rocky
» How did Washington comment on Nechirvan Barzani's visit to Tehran?
Today at 5:42 am by Rocky
» The honeymoon is over and the salary crisis continues. Baghdad and Erbil exchange accusations, but s
Today at 5:41 am by Rocky
» Why has Iraq not submitted a file to stop burning gas over the past years?
Today at 5:39 am by Rocky
» A slight increase in the exchange rate...more than 146 thousand per 100 dollars
Today at 5:38 am by Rocky
» Do Iraq's debts pose a threat to the economy? Parliament answers
Today at 5:37 am by Rocky
» Agriculture explains the mechanism of implementing the calendar program and its economic gains
Today at 5:36 am by Rocky
» President Masoud Barzani meets an Iraqi parliamentary delegation
Today at 5:34 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary criticism of the government’s delay in sending the budget schedules despite the approa
Today at 5:33 am by Rocky
» A report reveals the existence of an undeclared “Iraqi-British” agreement regarding asylum seekers
Today at 5:32 am by Rocky
» Alternative energy... advanced stages of the largest solar energy station in Iraq
Today at 5:31 am by Rocky
» Its delay raised concerns... it is likely that the 2024 budget schedules will be approved today
Today at 5:30 am by Rocky
» The industry reveals the reasons why Russian companies stopped reconstructing 7 factories in Anbar
Today at 5:29 am by Rocky
» Billions evaporated.. What is the truth about closing the theft of the century file in Diyala?
Today at 5:28 am by Rocky
» Nouri Al-Maliki to the Saudi Ambassador: Iraq is open to all countries of the world
Today at 5:26 am by Rocky
» An Iraqi generation that “does not fear” America and Iran.. Nadim Al-Jabri explains his expectations
Today at 5:25 am by Rocky
» After 9 years.. the third session of the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement between Iraq and A
Today at 5:22 am by Rocky
» “These are our goals.” The Turkish President talks about his visit to Iraq last month
Today at 5:21 am by Rocky
» Romanowski: The Iraqi judiciary is independent and the Federal Court seeks to consolidate democracy
Today at 5:19 am by Rocky
» Deputy: The presidency of Parliament will remain vacant until the end of the current session
Today at 5:17 am by Rocky
» Political: The Iraqi economy is threatened by American hegemony because of the coordination administ
Today at 5:16 am by Rocky
» Politician: Salem Al-Issawi will not become Speaker of Parliament
Today at 5:15 am by Rocky
» Planning reveals the mechanism for examining gold in local markets
Today at 5:14 am by Rocky
» Including railway connectivity and water shares... Iraq and Iran are discussing a number of common i
Today at 5:12 am by Rocky
» Oil is preparing to export gas oil after achieving self-sufficiency
Today at 5:11 am by Rocky
» Trade is preparing to hold a number of specialized exhibitions in Baghdad and the provinces
Today at 5:09 am by Rocky
» Erdogan: Our goal is to raise the volume of trade with Iraq to more than 20 billion dollars
Today at 5:08 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani confirms Iraq's openness to fruitful partnerships with French companies
Today at 5:07 am by Rocky
» Determining the launch date for the activities of the 48th session of the Baghdad International Fair
Today at 5:06 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani receives a delegation from the Union of Arab Banks
Today at 5:05 am by Rocky
» utube 5/3/24 MM&C Iraq Dinar Update - Expectation - Implementation - Activation - New Exchange Rat
Yesterday at 8:30 am by Rocky
» “Services” asks the Central Bank about billions of foreign banks in Iraq
Yesterday at 8:27 am by Rocky
» Central Bank: Iraqi banks still face challenges in complying with international laws and standards
Yesterday at 8:24 am by Rocky
» Parliamentary bloc: The Central Bank offers hard currency to “mafias” on a golden platter.. The Suda
Yesterday at 8:20 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi Central Auction witnesses a rise in foreign remittances to $267 million
Yesterday at 8:19 am by Rocky
» Wednesday.. The session to elect the President of the Iraqi Parliament is heading towards “Al-Issawi
Yesterday at 8:14 am by Rocky
» The Union of Arab Banks proposes 4 “important” points for Iraqi banks to meet compliance standards
Yesterday at 8:12 am by Rocky
» In the document... the Central Bank decides to return the “Al-Mal” Bank to work... in this case
Yesterday at 8:08 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi-American agreements and cooperation were the most prominent topics of Al-Araji and Romanow
Yesterday at 8:06 am by Rocky
» Al-Hakim meets a joint delegation of resolve and sovereignty and renews the call to hold a session t
Yesterday at 8:05 am by Rocky
» Nearly one billion dinars were recovered and 3 million liters of fuel intended for smuggling in Iraq
Yesterday at 8:03 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani and the European Union ambassador discuss issues of economic partnerships, civil aviation,
Yesterday at 7:59 am by Rocky
» More than 950 million dinars... petroleum products announced their recovery
Yesterday at 7:57 am by Rocky
» Forming a committee to follow up on stopping the sale of the dollar to travelers
Yesterday at 7:54 am by Rocky
» The Minister of Justice visits Al-Muthanna Governorate to discuss mechanisms for developing judicial
Yesterday at 7:52 am by Rocky
» Agriculture: Farmers who were affected by the recent rains will be compensated
Yesterday at 7:51 am by Rocky
» Al-Rasheed issues a warning regarding applying for advances and loans
Yesterday at 7:49 am by Rocky
» Al-Rafidain announces the implementation of the comprehensive banking system in its main branch
Yesterday at 6:24 am by Rocky
» Al-Rasheed warns of offices and pages claiming to promote the Salaf
Yesterday at 6:22 am by Rocky
» Adviser to the Prime Minister: There are no conflicts in the route of the Baghdad Metro
Yesterday at 6:19 am by Rocky
» Al-Sudani: We are keen to develop the work of the TBI Bank and address the problems it faces
Yesterday at 6:18 am by Rocky
» Agriculture explains the mechanism of implementing the calendar program and its economic gains
Yesterday at 6:17 am by Rocky
» “The shocks have changed.” The Governor of the Central Bank explains the impact of the openness of I
Yesterday at 6:16 am by Rocky
» The President of the Association of Private Banks sends an “important” invitation to the Central Ban
Yesterday at 6:15 am by Rocky
» Al-Alaq: The Iraqi banking sector has witnessed significant qualitative developments in response to
Yesterday at 6:12 am by Rocky
» On behalf of Al-Sudani, the Minister of Planning sponsors the signing ceremony of a memorandum of un
Yesterday at 6:11 am by Rocky
» The Iraqi Travel Companies Association participates in the Arab Travel Market Exhibition
Yesterday at 6:10 am by Rocky