Syrian humaitarian corridor
© George Orfalian/ Agence France-PresseSyrians attempt to leave Aleppo through the Russian humanitarian corridor.
A large-scale joint Russian-Syrian humanitarian operation is underway in the east of Aleppo. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu announced the establishment, together with the Syrian authorities, of seven humanitarian corridors "to help civilians who find themselves held hostage by terrorists and insurgents who are wishing to lay down their arms." As expected, hot meals and first aid points will be deployed in the areas of humanitarian corridors. At the same time, Syrian President Bashar Assad on Thursday issued an amnesty decree for the surrendering militants.

"Today, 324 civilians, including 76 children left the eastern districts of Aleppo to the humanitarian points, 82 militants laid down their arms and are now passing the amnesty procedure. Currently, the Syrian command established contact and negotiating the cessation of resistance with a number of units from the so-called moderate opposition," the official said.

Another 109 Syrian settlements have joined the ceasefire reaching the total number of 329, Rudskoy said.

"Over the last week, 109 settlements have signed the reconciliation agreement. Today, there are 329 of these settlements. In addition, leaders of the armed forces of the moderate opposition signed and sent to the Russian Center for Reconciliation 61 applications to join the cessation of hostilities," Rudskoy said.