'Bitter moment' for rebels as battle for Aleppo ends

ITV News Correspondent Dan Rivers has said the evacuation of thousands from eastern Aleppo is a "bitter moment" for rebels.

Speaking from Aleppo, he said it signalled that the battle for the besieged city - part of which was held by rebels until today - was now officially over.

"We've been watching those breathtaking scenes unfold this afternoon in Aleppo.

"That convoy of 19 buses that made it's way into the ravaged enclave that the rebels are still holed up in.

"It them emerged about two and a half hours later, we understand with about 1,000 fighters and civilians and about 250 wounded making their way outside the city.

"It was watched by hundreds of people in the area we were who started cheering and waving flags as it became clear the Syrian government operation had been a success.

"But this will be a bitter blow for the rebels, it means that finally the battle for Aleppo is over after four years of fierce fighting which has seen thousands of people killed."