Assad congratulates Syrian people on the liberation of Aleppo

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad congratulated Syrians on Thursday following his government's recapture of Aleppo, where an operation is underway to evacuate rebels and civilians.

In a video published by local media, al-Assad said there would be a "before and after in Aleppo", Xinhua news agency reported.

On Thursday morning, the warring parties reached a ceasefire deal so evacuations could begin from the rebel-held areas besieged by forces loyal to Assad.

--IANS

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