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Aleppo evacuation operation 'in last stages'

The evacuation of civilians and rebels from eastern Aleppo is in its "last stages," the International Committee of the Red Cross has said.

Around 34,000 people have been evacuated in the week-long rescue operation.

Over 4,000 rebel fighters left between Wednesday and Thursday to rebel-held western rural Aleppo, as per an agreement reached with the government.

Thousands are expected to be evacuated as the rescue operation continues throughout Friday, a Red Cross spokeswoman said.

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Ban Ki-moon: Escape of civilians from Aleppo must be allowed

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. Credit: Reuters

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has urged the Syrian government and its allies - Russia and Iran - to "urgently allow the remaining civilians to escape" Aleppo and facilitate humanitarian aid access.

"In recent days and hours we appear to be witnessing nothing less than an all-out effort by the Syrian government and its allies to end the country's internal conflict through a total, uncompromising military victory," Mr Ban told the Security Council.

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