MOSCOW, Nov. 28 (MNA) – The Syrian army has liberated 40 percent of east Aleppo from terrorists, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

"Syrian government troops continue liberating the northern part of eastern Aleppo from militants. Forty percent of the eastern part of the city has been freed from terrorists," the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation said.

The Syrian army has also gained control over 12 districts in eastern Aleppo, the center said.

"Residents of the freed districts are provided with humanitarian aid, food, water and essentials by the Russian center for reconciliation and Syrian authorities."

On Tuesday, Syrian Army's General Command called on militants to lay down arms in accordance with an amnesty decree, to stop the bloodshed, bombing of residential areas as well attacks on civilians.

Over the recent months, Aleppo has been a major battleground in Syria, engaging government forces, terrorists, and numerous opposition groups. Eastern Aleppo is held by militants, encircled by government forces, and the fighting has affected thousands of civilians still trapped in the city.

Between 200,000 and 300,000 civilians are still held by terrorists in the eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo, according to Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O’Brien.
 

SPUTNIK/MNA