Alalam - Syria

"Over the last hour we have received information that the military activities in east Aleppo have stopped, it has stopped," said Russia's UN Ambassador Vitaly Churkin during a UN Security Council meeting.

"The Syrian government has established control over east Aleppo, so the stage of practical humanitarian actions begins,” he added.

He noted that the militants within the city will start to leave “within hours” and that there is no need for civilians to leave their homes.

“This very difficult chapter related to the situation in eastern Aleppo has ended," he said. "Let's hope that this, indeed, will be a pre-condition for establishing the political efforts, re-launching of negotiations," he added.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon hailed the event, noting that the global body fully supports such efforts and stands ready to oversee an agreement, Press TV reports.

"We remind all parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law: to prioritize the safe passage of civilians out of eastern Aleppo and to ensure that those who have surrendered or been captured are treated humanely and in line with international law," he added.

SA