First ambulances out of Aleppo 'shot at', rebels say

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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The convoy of buses and ambulances waiting to evacuate the sick and wounded. Credit: Syrian TV

The first ambulances out of eastern Aleppo have been shot at by pro-Assad forces, rebels officials say.

Three people, including a rescue worker, are said to have been wounded as evacuations got underway.

A Reuters witness in nearby government-held territory heard a burst of gunfire that lasted several minutes.

A first group of wounded people have reached the Ramousah area on their way out of eastern Aleppo, Syrian media reported.

Last updated Thu 22 Dec 2016