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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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Syrian president celebrates 'historic' victory in Aleppo

A poster of Bashar Assad in government-held territory in Aleppo. Credit: Reuters

Syrian president Bashar Assad has said "history is being made" with the defeat of rebel forces in east Aleppo in a victorious statement.

"What is happening is bigger than congratulations" he said in a video statement posted online, implying that the recapture of the territory could be a turning point in Syria's long and bloody civil war.

What is happening today is the writing of a history written by every Syrian citizen.

The writing did not start today, it started six years ago when the crisis and war started against Syria.

– Bashar Assad

It comes as tens of thousands of people flee the besieged rebel enclave in east Aleppo as government forces who have pounded the area with airstrike prepare to move in and re-take the entire territory.

Many of those trapped in the city are civilians.

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Aleppo evacuation operation 'in last stages'

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