1st LD: Rebels start surrendering to Syrian army in Aleppo

An unidentified group of rebels started surrendering to the Syrian army in Aleppo Saturday, just days after the army and President Bashar al-Assad promised pardon for the surrendering rebels, according to state news agency SANA.

An undisclosed number of rebels in the rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo surrendered themselves and their weapons to the Syrian army, said the report.

The move came just a couple of days after the Syrian army started storming rebel-held districts in the eastern part of Aleppo, following a military campaign resulting in a full besiege on rebel-held areas.

On Thursday, President al-Assad offered amnesty to all rebels who would surrender themselves within 30 days.

Also Thursday, Syrian authorities announced the opening of three safe exits for civilians to leave rebel-held areas in Aleppo, according to SANA.

Citing Aleppo's Governor Muhammad Olabi, SANA said the three safe passages have been prepared to allow civilians to leave rebel-held districts.

"The governorate has finalized all arrangements and measures to secure the safety and accommodate civilians leaving the eastern districts of Aleppo with temporary shelters equipped with the necessary medical and aid services," the governor said.

Olabi said that transportation has also been secured to take families to the new shelters.

Aleppo, Syria's largest province and once a thriving economic metropolis, has witnessed intensified violent battles lately as the Syrian army advances against the rebels in the north. Endit