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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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Johnson: British aid drops to Syria would be 'sitting ducks'

Boris Johnson speaks in the debate. Credit: House of Commons

Boris Johnson has said that Britain will not carry out aid drops over Syria as they would be too great a risk and transport aircraft would be "sitting ducks".

The Foreign Secretary said Russia has deployed its most advanced jet fighters and surface-to-air missiles inside Syria, noting this makes it impossible for Britain to carry out aid drops without Russian permission.

Even if the UK had Russian permission, British aircraft would have to fly over hotly contested areas and so-called Islamic State would make "every effort to shoot down a British plane".

Mr Johnson also accused Russia of blocking the evacuation of those who are injured and medical staff from leaving areas of Aleppo, as he urged them to initiate an immediate ceasefire.

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Aleppo evacuation operation 'in last stages'

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