Syrian rebels say Aleppo ceasefire deal reached to allow evacuation of civilians, fighters

BEIRUT – Syrian rebels say an agreement has been reached with Russia for a ceasefire in Aleppo to evacuate remaining civilians and rebels from besieged districts.

Osama Abu Zayd, a legal adviser for an umbrella group of rebel factions known as the Free Syrian Army, says the cease-fire went into effect Tuesday evening.

He says the first batch will begin evacuating later Tuesday.

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Yasser al-Youssef, a spokesman for the Nour el-Din el-Zinki rebel group, confirmed the cease-fire and says the goal is to evacuate civilians and rebels from besieged areas.

There was no immediate comment from the Syrian government or Russia on the reports.

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