Syria conflict: 'Families leave' besieged Aleppo through 'humanitarian corridor'

July 30, 2016 18:40

Dozens of civilians left the besieged and battered opposition-held east of Syria's Aleppo city on Saturday through a "humanitarian corridor" to the government-held west, state media reported.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights also reported that "a number" of civilians had crossed into government territory.

The crossings were the first major movement of people from the besieged districts of the city after regime ally Russia announced Thursday that passages would be opened for civilians and surrendering fighters.

The move was welcomed cautiously by the UN, the US and some aid agencies.

The US has suggested the plan may be an attempt to force the evacuation of civilians and the surrender of rebel groups in the city.

The report also said some fighters had handed over their weapons and surrendered to the authorities.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has offered an amnesty for rebels laying down arms and surrendering within three months.

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