Aleppo offensive (November–December 2016)

{{See also|Aleppo offensive (October–November 2016)|Aleppo offensive (September–October 2016)}}

On 15 October 2016, a Russian seven-ship Northern Fleet task force composed of the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, the battlecruiser Pyotr Velikiy, two {{sclass|Udaloy|destroyer|1}}s, {{ship|Russian destroyer|Severomorsk||2}} and {{ship|Russian destroyer|Vice-Admiral Kulakov||2}} and a number of supply ships left Severomorsk for the Eastern Mediterranean to support Syrian government forces battling rebel troops in Aleppo. After sailing round Norway, Admiral Kuznetsov conducted live-fire exercises and flight operations off Shetland trailed by the Norwegian frigate {{HNoMS|Fridtjof Nansen|F310|6}}, the British frigate {{HMS|Richmond|F239|6}} and the destroyer {{HMS|Duncan|D37|6}}.{{Cite news|last=Marcus|first=Jonathan|date=19 October 2016|title=Russia's naval task force: Power play or just theatre?|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37704028|access-date=22 March 2020}}{{Cite web|last=Lockie|first=Alex|date=21 October 2016|title=Britain's Royal Navy is 'man-marking' Russian warships en route to Syria|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/royal-navy-watching-russian-navy-channel-2016-10|access-date=13 July 2020|website=Business Insider}}{{Cite web|title=The Royal Navy - quietly getting on with the job {{!}} Save the Royal Navy|url=https://www.savetheroyalnavy.org/the-royal-navy-quietly-getting-on-with-the-job/|access-date=14 July 2020|website=www.savetheroyalnavy.org|date=21 October 2016 |language=en-GB}}{{Cite web |last=Nagesh |first=Ashitha |date=20 October 2016 |title=Huge Russian fleet seen heading through English Channel by Royal Navy |url=https://metro.co.uk/2016/10/20/royal-navy-starts-tracking-russian-fleet-of-warships-in-english-channel-6203387/ |access-date=9 September 2022 |website=Metro |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=Russerne avbrøt øvelse i Norskehavet - nå er de på vei sørover mot Syria|url=https://www.tv2.no/a/8669066/|access-date=26 March 2020|website=TV 2|date=19 October 2016 |language=nb}}{{Cite web |last=Seidel |first=Jamie |date=19 October 2016 |title=Vladimir Putin sends carrier battlegroup to Syria as spy ship surveys internet cables |url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/vladimir-putin-sends-carrier-battlegroup-to-syria-as-spy-ship-surveys-internet-cables/XM7PRXUC47B55KIV4FYD7MQURA/ |website=The New Zealand Herald}} Two Typhoon fighters scrambled from RAF Lossiemouth on the night of 17 October to intercept a Tupolev Tu 142 carrying out maritime surveillance north of Shetland ahead of the Russian battlegroup.{{Cite web|last=Ripley|first=Tim|title=Admiral Kuznetsov deployment October 2016 - PDF Free Download|url=https://docplayer.net/amp/29814206-Admiral-kuznetsov-deployment-october-2016-compiled-by-tim-ripley.html|url-status=live|access-date=21 October 2021|website=docplayer.net|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211021221942/https://docplayer.net/amp/29814206-Admiral-kuznetsov-deployment-october-2016-compiled-by-tim-ripley.html |archive-date=21 October 2021 }} The Russian fleet then passed through the English Channel on 21 October in a show of force,{{Cite news|last=Adam|first=Karla|date=21 October 2016|title=Russia sends warships toward Syria via the English Channel — and with them, a message|language=en-US|newspaper=Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2016/10/21/russian-warships-pass-through-the-english-channel-on-their-way-to-syria/|access-date=22 October 2021|issn=0190-8286}} shadowed by the British destroyer {{HMS|Dragon|D35|6}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/russian-warships-admiral-kuznetzov-aircraft-carrier-english-channel-vladimir-putin-distraction-why-a7373521.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161022165948/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/russian-warships-admiral-kuznetzov-aircraft-carrier-english-channel-vladimir-putin-distraction-why-a7373521.html |archive-date=22 October 2016 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|title=Russian warships sailing through English Channel 'a smokescreen' for something else entirely|date=21 October 2016|website=The Independent|language=en|access-date=22 March 2020}} Due to NATO pressure, the naval force was denied refuelling at Ceuta by the Spanish government.{{Cite web|url=https://www.chronicle.gi/russia-drops-ceuta-pit-stop-amid-nato-concern-2/|title=Russia drops Ceuta pit-stop amid NATO concern|last=Reyes|first=Brian|language=en|access-date=22 March 2020}} Admiral Kuznetsov eventually refuelled off North Africa on 26 October.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37791523|title=Russian ships 'refuelling off Africa'|date=27 October 2016|work=BBC News|access-date=23 March 2020|language=en-GB}} The task force joined ten other Russian warships already in the theatre of operations, among them the frigate {{ship|Russian frigate|Admiral Grigorovich||2}} that had departed Sevastopol on 3 November.{{Cite web|url=https://vz.ru/news/2016/11/3/841713.html|title="Адмирал Григорович" с "Калибрами" усилит средиземноморскую группировку ВМФ|website=vz.ru|language=ru|access-date=23 March 2020}} During the last stage of their sortie, the Admiral Kuznetzov group was shadowed by a {{sclass|Walrus|submarine|0}} Dutch submarine, according to Russian sources. The submarine was "chased away" by the destroyers Severomorsk and Vice-Admiral Kulakov.{{Cite news|date=9 November 2016|title=Russia ships 'chase off Dutch sub' in Med|language=en-GB|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-37928222|access-date=12 July 2020}}

On 15 November 2016, Admiral Grigorovich{{Cite web|url=http://flot.com/2016/%D7%E5%F0%ED%EE%EC%EE%F0%F1%EA%E8%E9%D4%EB%EE%F256/|title=Новейший фрегат "Адмирал Григорович" вернулся в Севастополь|website=Центральный Военно-Морской Портал|language=ru|access-date=23 March 2020}} launched a salvo of Kalibr cruise missiles at rebel positions in the Idlib Governorate, rebel and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and Jabhat al-Nusra targets in the Homs Governorate, and reportedly rebel-held parts of Aleppo itself, something Russia denied. The attack was supported by P-800 Oniks missiles launched from a Russian coastal battery inside Syria.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-russia-strikes-idUSKBN13A19Y|title=Russia uses aircraft carrier for big attack on Syrian rebels|date=15 November 2016|work=Reuters|access-date=14 April 2020|language=en}} At the same time, Sukhoi Su-33s from Admiral Kuznetsov conducted airstrikes throughout northwestern and western Syria. The aircraft struck "ammunition depots, groups of terrorists and their training centers, as well as facilities being used to manufacture mass destruction means that are used against civilians" according to Russian Minister of Defence, Sergey Shoigu.{{Cite web|url=https://www.unian.info/world/1624802-russian-forces-start-large-scale-operation-against-is-in-syria.html|title=Russian forces start large-scale operation against IS in Syria|website=www.unian.info|language=en|access-date=23 March 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37988798|title=Syria conflict: Air strikes resume on rebel-held Aleppo|work=BBC|date=16 November 2016}}

The offensive on Aleppo was announced on the same day, with the start of heavy Syrian and Russian airstrikes. The Syrian Armed Forces and allied militias made "final preparations" for a large-scale assault into eastern Aleppo.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/final-preparations-made-largest-syrian-army-offensive-aleppo/|title=Final preparations made for largest Syrian Army offensive in Aleppo|work=Al-Masdar News|date=16 November 2016|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502004710/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/final-preparations-made-largest-syrian-army-offensive-aleppo/}} while aircraft from the Syrian Air Force hit rural and suburban areas around the rebel-controlled sector. The city itself was later attacked by jets and helicopters with conventional and barrel bombs.{{Cite news|last=Graham-Harrison|first=Emma|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/15/aleppo-airstrikes-resume-as-russia-announces-major-syria-offensive|title=Aleppo airstrikes restart as Russia announces major Syria offensive|date=15 November 2016|work=The Guardian|access-date=14 April 2020|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}} The Syrian Command assembled a ground force composed of Syrian special troops, Hezbolla militias and allied Iraqi paramilitaries.{{Cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/final-preparations-made-largest-syrian-army-offensive-aleppo/|title=Final preparations made for largest Syrian Army offensive in Aleppo|last=Aboufadel|first=Leith|date=16 November 2016|website=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|language=en-US|access-date=14 April 2020|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502004710/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/final-preparations-made-largest-syrian-army-offensive-aleppo/}}

File:17alep1.png

On 16 November the Syrian Army, supported by Russian airstrikes, stormed the Rashidun and Aqrab districts in southwestern Aleppo, but were repelled by the rebels.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-attacks-important-suburb-southwest-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army attacks important suburb in southwest Aleppo|work=Al-Masdar News|date=16 November 2016|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-date=2 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202044142/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-attacks-important-suburb-southwest-aleppo/}} Amid exchanges of shelling by both sides, clashes renewed in the Jamiat al-Zahra district of western Aleppo.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=54869|title=Regime forces shell several areas in Aleppo city and its countryside and shells target the western neighborhoods of Aleppo|work=Syria HR|date=17 November 2016}}

On 19 November, after heavy bombardment of eastern Aleppo, the Syrian Army attempted to advance in the Sheikh Saeed district in the southeast but were again repelled by the rebels. Meanwhile, pro-government forces advanced in the northeast. The Army seized the southern and central parts of the Bustan Al-Basha district, leaving them in control of 75 percent of the area.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-deep-inside-bustan-al-basha-district-east-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army advances deep inside Bustan Al-Basha District of east Aleppo|work=Al-Masdar News|date=19 November 2016|access-date=20 November 2016|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502060344/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advances-deep-inside-bustan-al-basha-district-east-aleppo/}}{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=799957217512275969|date=19 November 2016|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // Significant SAA advance in Bustan Al Pusha district today amidst heavy clashes.|access-date=20 November 2016}} In addition, in the evening, after two days of Syrian and Russian airstrikes, the Tiger Forces took control of the strategic Zouhor hill which overlooks the Hanano district and most of rebel-controlled east Aleppo.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-important-hill-eastern-aleppo-map-update/|title=Syrian Army captures all important hill in eastern Aleppo – Map update|work=Al-Masdar News|date=19 November 2016|access-date=20 November 2016|archive-date=2 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202044214/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-important-hill-eastern-aleppo-map-update/}} At the same time, the Army advanced in the southwestern Aleppo district of Aqrab.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55117 Regime forces advance in areas at the outskirts of Aleppo] The Tiger Forces also advanced southwest from the Zouhor hill into the old Sheikh Najjar factories, and seized most of them after intense clashes.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-factories-near-newly-captured-hill-eastern-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army seizes factories near newly captured hill in eastern Aleppo|work=Al-Masdar News|date=19 November 2016|access-date=20 November 2016|archive-date=9 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109175334/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-factories-near-newly-captured-hill-eastern-aleppo/}}

The next day, the Army managed to progress to the entrance of the Hanano district.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55193 19 casualties at least in the eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo due to heavy shelling and regime forces advance to entrances of Masaken Hanano] In the evening, a rebel counter-attack against Zouhor hill and the factories area was launched{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/aleppo-update-jihadi-groups-launch-counteroffensive-battles-intensify/|title=Aleppo Update: jihadi groups launch counteroffensive as battles intensify|first=Zen|last=Adra|date=20 November 2016|access-date=23 November 2016|archive-date=2 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202044224/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/aleppo-update-jihadi-groups-launch-counteroffensive-battles-intensify/}} and eventually repelled.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-foils-islamist-counter-offensive-east-aleppo-map/|title=Syrian Army foils Islamist counter-offensive in east Aleppo: map|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=21 November 2016|access-date=23 November 2016|archive-date=2 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202044226/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-foils-islamist-counter-offensive-east-aleppo-map/}} By the end of the day, the Army managed to enter the Hanano district.{{cite news|url=http://www.bangkokpost.com/print/1141029/|title=Bangkok Post article|first=Post Publishing|last=PCL.|newspaper=Bangkok Post|access-date=23 November 2016}} On 21 November, government advanced in the old Sheikh Najjar factories, the Hanano housings and the nearby Islamic cemetery,[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55208 Clashes continue on several fronts of Aleppo] while a second Army attack in 48 hours was launched on the southern Sheikh Saeed District.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-renews-offensive-southern-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army renews offensive in southern Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=21 November 2016|access-date=23 November 2016|archive-date=2 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202044232/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-renews-offensive-southern-aleppo/}} Although the rebels repelled this attack as well, they reportedly suffered heavy casualties.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadi-groups-lose-fighters-southern-aleppo-foiling-army-attack/|title=Jihadi groups lose more fighters in southern Aleppo while foiling Army attack|first=Zen|last=Adra|date=22 November 2016|access-date=23 November 2016|archive-date=23 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161123142924/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadi-groups-lose-fighters-southern-aleppo-foiling-army-attack/}}

As of 22 November, the military was in control of around a third of Hanano and by the next day half of the district. According to the pro-opposition activist group the SOHR, if the Army managed to seize Hanano, they would be able to cut off the northern part of the rebel-held Aleppo from the rest of the opposition-held districts.{{cite web|url=http://www.thenational.ae/world/middle-east/civilians-fleeing-east-aleppo-turned-back-by-gunfire|title=Civilians fleeing east Aleppo turned back by gunfire - The National|access-date=23 November 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/civilians-flee-as-syria-regime-advances-in-rebel-aleppo/3311166.html|title=Civilians flee as Syria regime advances in rebel Aleppo|access-date=23 November 2016|archive-date=2 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161202210354/http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/civilians-flee-as-syria-regime-advances-in-rebel-aleppo/3311166.html}}

On 24 November, the Army pushed deep into the Hanano district, capturing more than half a dozen key buildings.{{Cite news|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-makes-huge-gains-inside-rebel-heartland-aleppo-city-map-update/|title=Syrian Army makes huge gains inside rebel heartland of Aleppo city – Map update|last=Tomson|first=Chris|date=24 November 2016|newspaper=AMN - Al-Masdar News {{!}} المصدر نيوز|language=en-US|access-date=24 November 2016|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502062747/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-makes-huge-gains-inside-rebel-heartland-aleppo-city-map-update/}} The aim of the advance was to bisect the rebel-held part of Aleppo. Heavy and systematic government bombardment inflicted heavy rebel casualties.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-aleppo-idUSKBN13J1WF|title=Syrian forces aim to split east Aleppo in two: rebel commander|date=25 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016|newspaper=Reuters}} By the next day, government forces were in control of large parts of Hanano.[http://www.syriahr.com/2016/11/25/بعد-تقدمها-في-مساكن-هنانو-ومحاور-أخرى/ بعد تقدمها في مساكن هنانو ومحاور أخرى…قوات النظام تواصل محاولات تحقيق مزيد من التقدم في شرق حلب]{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=802089940515364864|date=25 November 2016|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // Rebels are withdrawing from their last positions inside the Hanano district.|access-date=28 November 2016}} Government forces also took control of large parts of the northeastern 'Ard Al-Hamra and southern Sheikh Lutfi districts, as well as the southern Hill 420 (Police Hill).{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advancing-several-axes-east-aleppo-map/|title=Syrian Army advancing at several axes in east Aleppo: map|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=25 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016|archive-date=27 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127091143/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-advancing-several-axes-east-aleppo-map/}}[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55527 Violent clashes in Shekh Lutfi in Aleppo]

On 26 November, government troops were in control of Hanano,{{cite web|url=http://bigstory.ap.org/02d35a69c0ce41728696f288f140488a|title=Syrian troops capture east Aleppo neighborhood from rebels|access-date=28 November 2016|archive-date=27 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127024243/http://bigstory.ap.org/02d35a69c0ce41728696f288f140488a}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-fully-captures-hanano-district-eastern-aleppo-map-update/|title=Syrian Army fully captures Hanano district in eastern Aleppo - Map update|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=26 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016|archive-date=27 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127130355/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-fully-captures-hanano-district-eastern-aleppo-map-update/}}[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55683 Regime forces takes control on Hanano housings neighborhood] which was the first district of the city that was taken by the rebels in 2012,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38123829|title=Syria war: Army makes rapid gains in rebel-held east Aleppo|work=BBC News|date=27 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016}} and represented about a quarter of the remaining rebel-held part of the city.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.net/news/2016/11/26/50-%d9%82%d8%aa%d9%8a%d9%84%d8%a7-%d8%a8%d8%ad%d9%84%d8%a8-%d9%88%d8%a7%d9%84%d9%86%d8%b8%d8%a7%d9%85-%d9%8a%d8%aa%d8%ad%d8%af%d8%ab-%d8%b9%d9%86-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%aa%d9%82%d8%af%d9%85|title=50 قتيلا بحلب والنظام يتحدث عن التقدم شرقها|website=الجزيرة نت}} Government forces also made attempts to advance in the Ard Al-Hamra and Jabal Badro District, south of Hanano.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-key-east-aleppo-district/|title=Syrian Army captures most of key east Aleppo district|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=26 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016|archive-date=27 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161127131357/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-key-east-aleppo-district/}} Following the capture of Hanano, 400–600 civilians left the rebel-held part of Aleppo.{{cite journal|url=http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Global-News/2016/1127/Hundreds-displaced-in-east-Aleppo-as-Syrian-army-advances|title=Hundreds displaced in east Aleppo as Syrian army advances|first=Lisa|last=Barrington|date=27 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016|journal=The Christian Science Monitor}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/600-civilians-exit-rebel-held-aleppo-one-day/|title=600 civilians exit rebel-held Aleppo in one day|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=26 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016|archive-date=28 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128133510/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/600-civilians-exit-rebel-held-aleppo-one-day/}}

On 27 November, government forces made major advances{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-advance-syrian-army-allies-aleppo-city/|title=Breaking: Major advance of Syrian Army and allies in Aleppo city|first=Ivan|last=Yakovlev|date=27 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016|archive-date=28 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128135950/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-major-advance-syrian-army-allies-aleppo-city/}} after a swift collapse of the rebel defenses,{{cite web|url=http://www.startribune.com/hundreds-flee-for-government-held-districts-in-aleppo/403216816/|title=Syrian army Aleppo advance displaces thousands|website=Star Tribune |access-date=28 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128133015/http://www.startribune.com/hundreds-flee-for-government-held-districts-in-aleppo/403216816/|archive-date=28 November 2016}} capturing the Jabal-Badro, Ard Al-Hamra and Ba'ibdeen districts,{{Cite web|url=https://english.alarabiya.net/News/middle-east/2016/11/27/Syria-regime-takes-two-Aleppo-rebel-districts|title=Syria regime takes two more rebel districts in Aleppo|date=27 November 2016|website=Al Arabiya English}}[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55751 After 13 days of massive bloody bombing, regime forces are about 1km from cutting the eastern neighborhoods to havles] while also seizing parts of the Sakhour district,{{cite web|url=http://eaworldview.com/2016/11/syria-daily-pro-assad-forces-take-key-area-in-eastern-aleppo-city/#retreat|title=Syria Daily: Pro-Assad Forces Advancing in Eastern Aleppo City - EA WorldView|date=27 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016}} namely the Al-Sakhour Bridge. Soon after, the Army took control of the northern Jandoul Factories and secured the Ayn Al-Tal district, as well as large parts of the Hallak Fuqani and Hallak Tahtani districts.{{cite web|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/hundreds-flee-syria-regime-advance-rebel-held-east-002252424.html|title=Syria forces retake 6 Aleppo rebel areas, civilians flee|agency=AFP|date=28 November 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/map-update-syrian-army-advances-jihadists-mass-retreat-east-aleppo-districts/|title=Map Update: Syrian Army advances as jihadists mass retreat from east Aleppo districts|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=27 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016|archive-date=6 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201206003506/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/map-update-syrian-army-advances-jihadists-mass-retreat-east-aleppo-districts/}} Due to these advances, the rebels were in a massive retreat,{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-mass-retreat-east-aleppo-syrian-army-captures-new-district/|title=Rebels in mass retreat in east Aleppo as Syrian Army captures new district|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=27 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016|archive-date=28 November 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161128131135/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebels-mass-retreat-east-aleppo-syrian-army-captures-new-district/}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/nov/27/civilians-flee-east-aleppo-as-syrian-army-advances?CMP=share_btn_tw|title=Syrian rebels' resistance 'waning' as thousands of people flee Aleppo|first=Patrick |last= Wintour |date=27 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016|newspaper=The Guardian}} also abandoning the Bustan Al-Basha district and parts of Haydariyah, and withdrawing to southern Aleppo through the Sakhour district, which if captured would split the rebel-held part of the city in two.{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/2016/11/27/%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%83-%D8%B9%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%81%D8%A9-%D8%AA%D8%B4%D9%87%D8%AF%D9%87%D8%A7-%D9%85%D8%AD%D8%A7%D9%88%D8%B1-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A9-%D8%AD%D9%84%D8%A8-%D9%88/|title=معارك عنيفة تشهدها محاور في مدينة حلب وقوات النظام تتمكن من التقدم في عدة محاور - المرصد السوري لحقوق الإنسان}} At this point, less than a kilometer was separating government troops advancing in east Aleppo from those in the center of the city.

The collapse of the rebel frontlines was attributed to the heavy volume of bombardments, the intensity of the fighting, the number of dead and wounded, and the lack of working hospitals.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-aleppo-idUSKBN13L0KR|title=Syrian army captures part of rebel-held east Aleppo|newspaper=Reuters|date=26 November 2016|access-date=27 November 2016}} Hundreds of civilians attempted to capitalize on the rebel collapse,{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=802879851745005569|date=27 November 2016|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // Hundreds of civilians are attempting to capitalise on the rebel collapse and leave Eastern Aleppo.|access-date=28 November 2016}} with the number of evacuated civilians increasing to nearly 10,000 during the day.{{cite web|url=http://www.digitaljournal.com/news/world/nearly-10-000-civilians-flee-east-aleppo-monitor/article/480542#.WDtlYy3vfOE.twitter|title=Nearly 10,000 civilians flee east Aleppo: monitor|date=27 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016}}

In the evening, only 500 meters were separating the military from closing off the gap between the northeastern and the southeastern parts of the city. By this point, the remaining distance had already come under Army fire control.{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/2016/11/27/%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%AA-%D9%88%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B5%D9%88%D8%B1%D8%A9-%D9%88%D8%B5%D9%88%D9%84-%D8%A2%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%81-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B2%D8%AD%D9%8A%D9%86-%D8%A5%D9%84/|title=""بالصوت والصورة" وصول آلاف النازحين إلى حي الشيخ مقصود وقوات النظام تقسم نارياً أحياء حلب الشرقية إلى قسمين جنوبي وشمالي|date=27 November 2016}} In addition, the Army completed its control of Hallak Al-Fukani, Hallak Al-Tahtani and Bustan Al-Basha, with Kurdish support, while the northeastern Inzarat district had also been seized.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-kurds-continue-steamrolling-east-aleppo-rebels-mass-retreat/|title=Map Update: Syrian Army, Kurds continue steamrolling in east Aleppo as rebels mass retreat|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=27 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502064634/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-kurds-continue-steamrolling-east-aleppo-rebels-mass-retreat/}}[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55780 10 killed in the 13th day of bombardment on Aleppo] At least 36 rebels surrendered to the Army during their advances,{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=803164899199156224|date=28 November 2016|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // At least 36 rebels surrendered to SAA units in NE Aleppo recently.|access-date=28 November 2016}} while a number of them had reportedly defected to the Kurdish-led SDF.{{cite tweet|user=sayed_ridha|author=Hassan Ridha|number=803166739781468163|date=28 November 2016|title=A number of militants have surrendered to Syrian Army & are aiding their advance into east Aleppo, others have defected to SDF like in Halek|access-date=28 November 2016}}

As of 28 November, the entire northeastern part of Aleppo had fallen.[https://www.syriahr.com/?p=196670 مدينة حلب تشهد خروج كامل القسم الشمالي من أحياء حلب الشرقية عن سيطرة الفصائل] Early in the day, the Army took control of Haydariyah.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-strategic-east-aleppo-neighborhood/|title=Syrian Army captures strategic east Aleppo neighborhood|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=28 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502063952/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-strategic-east-aleppo-neighborhood/}} Two hours later, government forces also seized Sakhour,{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-keeps-rolling-east-aleppo-sakour-district-declared-government-control/|title=Syrian Army keeps rolling in east Aleppo as Sakour District declared under government control|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=28 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502064111/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-keeps-rolling-east-aleppo-sakour-district-declared-government-control/}}{{cite news|url=http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN13N0H4?il=0|title=Syrian army seizes key Aleppo area from rebels: Observatory|newspaper=Reuters|date=28 November 2016|access-date=28 November 2016}} leaving the rebel-held districts of Sheikh Kheder and Sheikh Fares surrounded. Soon after, Sheikh Khider was also taken by the Army, along with parts of Sheikh Fares. The rest of Sheikh Fares was seized by Kurdish forces, who were confirmed to be in control of parts of Hallak, Bustan Al-Basha, Ba'ibdeen and Ayn Al-Tal as well{{Cite web|url=https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/analysis-kurdish-frenemies-aiding-assad-aleppo|title=ANALYSIS: The Kurdish 'frenemies' aiding Assad in Aleppo|website=Middle East Eye}} after advancing from the northern Kurdish-controlled Sheikh Maqsood district. The overall situation was described to be "the biggest defeat for the opposition in Aleppo since 2012", with a four-year stalemate in the city being broken.{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/syria-seizes-parts-of-aleppo-from-rebels-1480359649|title=Syria Seizes Parts of Aleppo From Rebels|first=Raja|last=Abdulrahim|date=28 November 2016|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal}}

On 4 December, residents started returning to Hanano.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-rebels-idUSKBN13T09N |title=Rebels tell U.S. they won't leave Aleppo; army sees operation over in weeks |author=Tom Perry |publisher=Reuters |date=4 December 2016 |access-date=4 December 2016}}

File:17alep2.png

Following the rebel collapse in the northeast, the Army made its first advance into the southeastern Tariq al-Bab (al-Helwania) district.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55799 Aerial bombardment targets eastern Aleppo and continued clashes in the city] On 28 November, they captured the Talet Barakat and Scientific Research Housing areas, south of Jabal Badro,{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/InsideSourceInt/status/803226445656920064|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // The SAA has advanced in East Aleppo and capturing the scientific research/housing area.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207152815/https://twitter.com/InsideSourceInt/status/803226445656920064|archive-date=7 December 2016|access-date=11 February 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://syria.liveuamap.com/en/2016/28-november-saa-captured-talat-al-barakat-area-in-northeastern|title=SAA captured Talat al Barakat Area in Northeastern Aleppo|website=Map of Syrian Civil War - Syria news and incidents today - syria.liveuamap.com}} and advanced into the Ma'saraniyah Youth housing.{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=803231025677504512|date=28 November 2016|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // SAA are advancing into the Ma'saraniyah Youth housing. Clashes ongoing.}}

On 29 November, the Army seized large parts of the southeastern al-Jazmati and al-Ma'saraniyah neighborhoods, in order to secure the Aleppo International Airport and its highway.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=55936 The regime forces advance again in Aleppo and seek to secure Aleppo International Airport and its highway]{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/9956fd4ee69143998bc10e240dd8e55a/Thousands-flee-as-Syrian-army-pushes-into-east-Aleppo|title=Thousands flee as Syrian army pushes into east Aleppo|website=Associated Press |date=29 November 2016|agency=AP}} The next day, the Army and pro-government Iraqi militias seized most of the Sheikh Saeed district in the southern part of the city.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-important-site-resuming-east-aleppo-offensive/|title=Syrian Army captures important site after resuming east Aleppo offensive|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=30 November 2016|access-date=30 November 2016|archive-date=14 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314232116/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-captures-important-site-resuming-east-aleppo-offensive/}}[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56009 The regime forces advance in the southern part of the eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo and control large parts of Sheikh Saeed]{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/InsideSourceInt/status/803950554590232576|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // Rebels have now withdrawn from north Sheikh Saeed. SAA dismantling IED's while simultaneously pushing on.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161204020959/https://twitter.com/InsideSourceInt/status/803950554590232576|archive-date=4 December 2016|access-date=11 February 2025}}{{cite web|url=http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/12/01/world/aleppo-rebels-vow-no-surrender-bombardments-regime-allies-kill-scores-civilians/|title=Aleppo rebels vow no surrender as bombardments by regime, allies kill scores of more civilians|date=1 December 2016|via=Japan Times Online}} After this, they captured several building blocks in the exposed side of the Sukkari district.{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=803951179646406656|date=30 November 2016|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // SAA units and foreign allies have captured some building blocks in the exposed side of the Sukkari district.}} During these advances, the Army also cleared the Sadkop and Old Ramouseh areas, south of Sheikh Saeed. Government forces also again advanced in the Ma'saraniyah Youth housing area,{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/2016/11/30/%D8%A7%D8%B4%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%A7%D9%83%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%B9%D9%86%D9%8A%D9%81%D8%A9-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D9%85%D8%AF%D9%8A%D9%86%D8%A9-%D8%AD%D9%84%D8%A8-%D9%85%D8%B9-%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85-%D9%84%D9%82%D9%88/|title=اشتباكات عنيفة في مدينة حلب مع تقدم لقوات النظام في شرق أحياء المدينة الشرقية وقصف على الريف الجنوبي|date=30 November 2016}} and reportedly capturing it. On 1 December, the rebels were able to regain almost all of Sheikh Saeed district in a counter-attack. Government troops managed to retain control of the southern section of the district.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-allied-militias-withdraw-sheikh-saeed/|title=Syrian Army, allied militias withdraw from Sheikh Sa'eed|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=1 December 2016|access-date=1 December 2016|archive-date=6 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106080240/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-allied-militias-withdraw-sheikh-saeed/}} They also recaptured some positions in the Ma'saraniyah Youth housing area.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56031 Rebels advance over regime forces in the youth housings and Shekh Saed in Aleppo]

As of 2 December, fighting continued in Sheikh Saeed,[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56088 Continued clashes in Aleppo and rebels taking control on 70% of Shekh Said] with the Army in control of 30% of the district.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKBN13R22E|title=Russia not serious in talks with Syrian rebels: opposition official|date=2 December 2016|newspaper=Reuters}} During the day, they once again advanced in the area.{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=804803410654466048|date=2 December 2016|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // SAA has once again infiltrated rebel held Sheikh Saeed and captured several positions.|access-date=4 December 2016}} Meanwhile, the Army launched a major assault in the southeastern neighborhoods of Aleppo, capturing two districts,{{cite web|url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2016/12/3/half-of-rebel-held-aleppo-falls-to-syrian-regime|title=Half of rebel-held Aleppo 'falls to Syrian regime'|date=3 December 2016}} Tariq al-Bab{{cite web|url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/syria-army-seizes-new-rebel-district-in-aleppo-monitor/|title=Syria army seizes new rebel district in Aleppo — monitor|website=The Times of Israel |access-date=4 December 2016}} and Karm al-Trab.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56132 Renewed airstrikes on Aleppo city and its countryside leave casualties and new advancement for the regime forces in Aleppo]{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=805056761887494144|date=3 December 2016|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // The SAA has captured Karam al-Tarrab in Aleppo.|access-date=4 December 2016}} They also took control of a large part of the al-Jazmati district.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/map-update-syrian-army-strikes-heart-east-aleppo/|title=Map Update: Syrian Army strikes at the heart of east Aleppo|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=2 December 2016|access-date=2 December 2016|archive-date=25 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125221634/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/map-update-syrian-army-strikes-heart-east-aleppo/}}[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56151 9 casualties in Aleppo city and violent clashes continued in several areas in the central and eastern part of the city] With these advances, government forces secured the airport road and were in control of 60% of the previously rebel-held part of Aleppo. Overall, the Army pushed one kilometer into rebel territory in the city.{{cite web|url=http://www.columbian.com/news/2016/dec/03/syrian-and-allied-troops-advance-in-besieged-aleppo/|title=Syrian and allied troops advance in besieged Aleppo|date=3 December 2016|access-date=4 December 2016}} Around 01:00, during the day's clashes, a Syrian Air Force Aero L-39 Albatros was shot down by rebel fire and crashed in the central part of the city, with both pilots killed.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-two-syrian-pilots-killed-rebels-shoot-jet-eastern-aleppo/|title=Two Syrian pilots killed as rebels shoot down jet over eastern Aleppo|first=Chris|last=Tomson|date=3 December 2016|access-date=4 December 2016|archive-date=15 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115060023/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/breaking-two-syrian-pilots-killed-rebels-shoot-jet-eastern-aleppo/}}

On 3 December, government forces completed their control of al-Jazmati and made a push into Mayssar.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/aleppo-international-airport-officially-safe-syrian-army-advance-map/|title=Aleppo International Airport officially safe after Syrian Army advance: map|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=3 December 2016|access-date=4 December 2016|archive-date=15 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115000144/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/aleppo-international-airport-officially-safe-syrian-army-advance-map/}}[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56210 Continued clashes between regime forces and rebels and advances for the regime in Aleppo] At this point, Russia sought a full rebel withdrawal from Aleppo.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKBN13S0BF|title=Russia seeks full withdrawal of Aleppo rebels|date=3 December 2016|newspaper=Reuters}} The rebels stated they would not surrender Aleppo.

The next day, the Army made advances in the Mayssar district,[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56270 The regime aim to divide the divided, seek to separate the middle and south of the eastern neighborhoods of Aleppo and connect its forces to a new corridor to the Citadel of Aleppo] after capturing the al-Helwaniyah and al-Jazmati roundabouts.{{cite tweet|user=sayed_ridha|author=Hassan Ridha|number=805352886326599681|date=4 December 2016|title=Syrian Army capture al-Helwaniyah & al-Jazmati roundabouts and advance inside al-Miysar neighbourhood|access-date=4 December 2016}} At this point, two kilometers were separating the advancing Army units from the government-held Citadel of Aleppo.{{cite tweet|user=sayed_ridha|author=Hassan Ridha|number=805355533544882176|date=4 December 2016|title=Only 2km separates Miysar neighbourhood from Aleppo Citadel|access-date=4 December 2016}} Later in the day, government troops captured Mayssar, as well as the Dahret Awwad district.{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=805391592613761025|date=4 December 2016|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // The SAA has seized Karam al-Myassar and Dahret Awwad in East Aleppo, marking the fall of 4 districts in 2 days.|access-date=4 December 2016}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/2016/12/04/%D9%82%D9%88%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D8%B8%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%AA%D8%AC%D8%AF%D8%AF-%D8%AA%D9%82%D8%AF%D9%85%D9%87%D8%A7-%D9%81%D9%8A-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%82%D8%B3%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A3%D9%88%D8%B3/|title=قوات النظام تجدد تقدمها في القسم الأوسط من حلب الشرقية وقصف مستمر يخلف مزيداً من الخسائر البشرية - المرصد السوري لحقوق الإنسان}}{{cite web|url=https://apnews.com/73a3c3bc3afc42ecb279de05e20c03ba|title=Syrian army tells rebels in Aleppo to leave or die|website=Associated Press |date=4 December 2016|agency=AP}} The Army then continued to converge on Aleppo's Old City,{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-rebels-idUSKBN13T09N|title=Rebels defiant as Syrian army nears Aleppo's Old City|date=4 December 2016|newspaper=Reuters}} securing the al-Qaterrji[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56290 Regime forces advance in Aleppo city and reach closer to Aleppo castle] and al-Tahhan districts, and advancing into Qadi Askar.{{cite web|url=https://news.yahoo.com/suspected-russian-raids-kill-46-across-syrias-idlib-144815929.html|title=Raids kill dozens in Syria's Idlib, army advances in Aleppo|agency=AFP}} They also captured the Eye Hospital{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/map-update-syrian-army-captures-60-rebel-held-aleppo-space-week/|title=Map Update: Syrian Army captures 60% of rebel-held Aleppo in the space of a week|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=4 December 2016|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-date=13 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161213173415/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/map-update-syrian-army-captures-60-rebel-held-aleppo-space-week/}} and came within 500–1,000 meters of the Citadel and isolating the remaining districts northeast of it.{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=805536406462312448|date=4 December 2016|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // #SAA is 1km away from linking up with the citadel's eastern side.}} Government troops also advanced at the al-Sha'ar district,[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56276 Tens of artillery and airstrikes target the eastern Aleppo and its countryside and violent clashes for advancement towards Shaar] with some rebels already withdrawing in anticipation of its fall.{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=805537394782932992|date=4 December 2016|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // Small contingent of rebels were seen withdrawing from Sha'er district is anticipation of its imminent fall.}} Subsequently, that night, the Army made more advances in Sha'ar.{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=805572322182582272|date=5 December 2016|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // Fierce clashes engulf many of the Eastern Aleppo fronts. The SAA is advancing across a wide area including shaer area.}} Meanwhile, Fatah al-Sham fighters along with their allies raided a warehouse containing weapons, food, and gas. The warehouse was guarded by Jaysh al-Islam and the guards, including a commander, were detained. This caused dissatisfaction among the civilian population in rebel-held areas amid poor living conditions and a lack of food and supplies.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56292 Dissatisfaction between civilians of eastern Aleppo after an attack by Fateh al-Sham on rebel warehouses.] The Fatah al-Sham fighters also reportedly arrested 150 Jaysh al-Islam fighters under the charges they were going to surrender to the advancing government forces.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-forces-aleppo-arrest-militants-willing-surrender/|title=Rebel forces in Aleppo arrest militants willing to surrender|first=Zen|last=Adra|date=4 December 2016|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502061720/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/rebel-forces-aleppo-arrest-militants-willing-surrender/}}

On 5 December, the Army captured the Qadi Askar district, leaving Sha'ar effectively encircled.{{cite web|url=http://www.baaghi.tv/syria-army-takes-new-aleppo-district-monitor/|title=Syria army takes new Aleppo district: monitor|date=5 December 2016|access-date=5 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109180400/http://www.baaghi.tv/syria-army-takes-new-aleppo-district-monitor/|archive-date=9 January 2017}} Government forces also seized several parts of Sha'ar. According to a rebel official, they considered Sha'ar and nearby Karm al-Jabal as already fallen.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-mideast-crisis-syria-shaar/syrian-government-forces-seize-more-of-aleppo-from-rebels-idUKKBN13U0PK|title=Syrian government forces seize more of Aleppo from rebels|work=Reuters|date=5 December 2016}} Later that day, the rebels launched a large counter-attack in an attempt to recapture the territory they had lost in the previous days.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-rebels-launch-massive-counter-offensive-east-aleppo/|title=Jihadist rebels launch massive counter-offensive in east Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=5 December 2016|access-date=5 December 2016|archive-date=2 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210302134418/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadist-rebels-launch-massive-counter-offensive-east-aleppo/}}[http://www.syriahr.com/2016/12/05/معارك-عنيفة-في-وسط-حلب-وقصف-مكثف-وقذائف/ معارك عنيفة في وسط حلب وقصف مكثف وقذائف تستهدفان شرقها وغربها مع قصف جوي على ريفها] Despite initial claims that they had retaken large parts of Mayssar,{{cite web|url=http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/43992/Syrian_Opposition_Seize_Huge_Parts_Of_Mayser_Neighbourhood_In_Aleppo|title=Syrian Opposition Seize Huge Parts Of Mayser Neighbourhood In Aleppo - Qasion News Agency|access-date=5 December 2016|archive-date=9 January 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170109180414/http://www.qasioun.net/en/news/show/43992/Syrian_Opposition_Seize_Huge_Parts_Of_Mayser_Neighbourhood_In_Aleppo}} the counter-attack was eventually repelled.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-foils-jihadist-counter-offensive-east-aleppo/|title=Syrian Army foils jihadist counter-offensive in east Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=5 December 2016|access-date=5 December 2016|archive-date=6 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106081850/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-foils-jihadist-counter-offensive-east-aleppo/}}{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/InsideSourceInt/status/806100302130651137|title=x.com}} Subsequently, the Army restarted its push around the Citadel.{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=805964151721893888|date=6 December 2016|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // The SAA has restarted their push around the citadel. Intense clashes reported alongside consistent airstrikes.}}

On 6 December, the Army was closing in on Sha'ar, after already taking control of one third of the district, and it was on the brink of falling.{{cite web|url=http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/article/06/12/2016/Syria-army-closes-in-on-key-Aleppo-district|title=Syria army closes in on key Aleppo district - The Peninsula Qatar|date=6 December 2016 |access-date=7 December 2016}} Later that day, they had taken full control of Sha'ar, as well as four other nearby districts. This left more than 70 percent of formerly rebel-held Aleppo under government control.{{cite journal|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2016/Dec-06/384241-syria-rebels-reject-aleppo-exit-as-army-advances.ashx|title=Syria army makes new gains, pins down rebels in Aleppo|journal=The Daily Star|date=6 December 2016|access-date=7 December 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-keeps-rolling-east-aleppo-liberating-al-shaer/|title=Syrian army keeps rolling through East Aleppo, liberating Al-Shaer|first=Paul|last=Antonopoulos|date=6 December 2016|access-date=7 December 2016|archive-date=25 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210125055416/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-keeps-rolling-east-aleppo-liberating-al-shaer/}}[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56444 The regime forces control the entire neighborhood of al-Shaar and its surroundings and by firearm control areas in the southeastern section of the city] A large-scale rebel withdrawal from the northern districts of their pocket was started.{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=806108693284601856|date=6 December 2016|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // Large scale withdrawal of rebels from the northern districts of the pocket.|access-date=7 December 2016}} Concurrently, the Army captured parts of the southern Marjeh and Sheikh Lutfi districts.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-capture-65-percent-jihadist-held-east-aleppo-map/|title=Syrian Army capture 65 percent of jihadist-held east Aleppo: map|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=6 December 2016|access-date=7 December 2016|archive-date=9 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109004736/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-capture-65-percent-jihadist-held-east-aleppo-map/}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-38231713|title=Aleppo battle: Syrian army presses advance against rebels|work=BBC News|date=7 December 2016|access-date=7 December 2016}} At Sheikh Lutfi, they seized a hill that overlooks large parts of the district.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56436 More casualties in Aleppo raise the number to 10 at least and fierce clashes continue middle and west of the city] In the evening, it was reported five buses full of rebels left the rebel-held part of southeastern Aleppo,{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=806239971497517056|date=6 December 2016|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // At least 5 buses full of fighters from East (Southern) Aleppo left the enclave right now.|access-date=7 December 2016}} while the Army pushed into Aleppo's Old City.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-wrap-idUSKBN13V26Y|title=Syrian troops enter Aleppo's Old City, poised for war's biggest victory|date=7 December 2016|access-date=7 December 2016|newspaper=Reuters}} By the end of the day,{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=806268745442172928|date=6 December 2016|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // 75% of East Alepo is under SAA control after the fall of Old Aleppo.|access-date=7 December 2016}} Old Aleppo had been taken after the rebels retreated from its three neighborhoods.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38233962|title=Aleppo battle: Syria rebels 'withdraw from old city'|work=BBC News|date=7 December 2016|access-date=7 December 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/12/07/middleeast/syria-aleppo-conflict/index.html|title=Aleppo: Syrian regime forces seize most of old city|author1=Frederik Pleitgen |author2=Jomana Karadsheh |author3=Eyad Kourdi |author4=Laura Smith-Spark|date=7 December 2016|publisher=CNN|access-date=7 December 2016}} Sheikh Lufti was also seized.[http://www.syriahr.com/2016/12/07/قوات-النظام-تقضم-المزيد-من-الأحياء-وتق/ قوات النظام تقضم المزيد من الأحياء وتقلص سيطرة الفصائل بعد تقدمها مجدداً في أحياء بالقسم الأوسط من حلب و15 شهيداً في المدينة] With these advances, the Army had taken control of the entire area around the Aleppo Citadel.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-officially-enters-surrendered-east-aleppo-districts/|title=Syrian Army officially enters surrendered east Aleppo districts|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=7 December 2016|access-date=7 December 2016|archive-date=18 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318035853/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-officially-enters-surrendered-east-aleppo-districts/}} One of the areas taken in Old Aleppo was the Umayyad Mosque, the largest and one of the oldest mosques in the city.{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/PetoLucem/status/806274421233172482|title=x.com}}

File:17alep3.png

On 7 December, the Army continued their large-scale offensive, securing Sheikh Lutfi, while also capturing the Marjah, Bab Al-Nayrab,{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-large-parts-east-aleppo-militant-collapse/|title=Syrian Army seizes large parts of east Aleppo after militant collapse|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=7 December 2016|access-date=7 December 2016|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502071444/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-seizes-large-parts-east-aleppo-militant-collapse/}}[http://www.syriahr.com/2016/12/07/مزيد-من-التقدم-لقوات-النظام-في-حلب-الشر/ مزيد من التقدم لقوات النظام في حلب الشرقية مدعماً بغطاء من القصف المكثف والعنيف]{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=806478512798343168|date=7 December 2016|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // Reports of the fall of Al Margh to the SAA in Aleppo are true.}} Maadi and Salheen districts.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/map-update-syrian-army-captures-85-east-aleppo-verge-total-military-victory/|title=Map Update: Syrian Army captures 85% of east Aleppo, on verge of total military victory|first=Izat|last=Charkatli|date=7 December 2016|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502062512/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/map-update-syrian-army-captures-85-east-aleppo-verge-total-military-victory/}} The next day, the military started its last phase of the offensive, with a new assault on Sheikh Saeed, while also preparing to storm the Sukkari district.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-begins-last-stage-east-aleppo-offensive/|title=Syrian Army begins last stage of east Aleppo offensive|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=8 December 2016|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502063737/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/syrian-army-begins-last-stage-east-aleppo-offensive/}} During the day, they advanced in the Sheikh Saeed area.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-aleppo-idUSKBN13Y0VP|title=Syrian government forces press attack in east Aleppo|date=10 December 2016|newspaper=Reuters}}

At the end of 8 December, the Syrian Army halted its offensive in order to evacuate some 8,000 civilians from the area.{{cite news| url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/syrias-assad-confident-victory-aleppo-105555278.html|title=Russia says Syria army halts Aleppo attacks as rebels cornered|date=8 December 2016|agency=AFP|access-date=11 December 2016}} Russian officials reported 10,500 had been evacuated overall, while the United Nations (UN) stated the rebels were stopping people from leaving.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38260388|title=Aleppo battle: UN says hundreds of men missing|work=BBC News|date=9 December 2016|access-date=11 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161209114048/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38260388|archive-date=9 December 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/08/world/middleeast/syria-aleppo-rebels-russia-lavrov-assad.html|title=Russia Says Aleppo Combat Has Ceased; Residents Disagree|date=9 December 2016|work=The New York Times}} Still, despite the announced humanitarian pause, the next day, there were conflicting reports, with some stating fighting was continuing, while others that the government offensive resumed after a short break.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38261674|title=Aleppo battle: Shelling resumes after humanitarian pause|work=BBC News|date=9 December 2016}} On 10 December, Russian officials reported up to 50,000 people had been evacuated over the previous two days, while they also claimed more than 1,200 rebels had surrendered.{{Cite web|url=https://www.efe.com/efe/english/world/russia-says-over-20-000-civilians-left-eastern-aleppo-on-saturday/50000262-3121273|title=Russia says over 20,000 civilians left eastern Aleppo on Saturday}} One more possible reason for the halt in the Army's advance was reported to be the concurrent ISIL offensive against Palmyra, which diverted troops away from Aleppo to defend the city.{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38279421| title=Syria conflict: Aleppo rebels 'stem army advance'| publisher=BBC| date=11 December 2016| access-date=11 December 2016}}

On 11 December 2016, Syrian government forces captured all or most of three districts, while also advancing in two others. The Army's assault was accompanied by heavy shelling and air raids, with explosions at a rate of more than one a minute.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-aleppo-idUSKBN1400H4|title=Exclusive: Syrian rebels get proposal to quit Aleppo, jihadists retake Palmyra|date=12 December 2016|newspaper=Reuters}}{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/InsideSourceInt/status/807903865861349377|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // SAA is advancing in the Bab al Maqam district |website=Twitter |access-date=11 February 2025}} Airstrikes hit the last remaining bridge that linked eastern and western Aleppo.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2016/12/12/russia-says-no-safe-exit-for-aleppo-rebels-proposed/|title=Russia says no safe exit for Aleppo rebels proposed|website=Al Jazeera}} At this point, the rebels had proposed a US-Russian negotiated deal to leave the city to Idlib or toward the border with Turkey.

On 12 December, government forces captured the southern Sheikh Saeed district, which led to a large-scale collapse of the rebel frontline at the Fardous district, which was also taken, as well as its surroundings.{{cite web|url=http://www.cbsnews.com/news/aleppo-syria-civilians-trapped-shrinking-bombed-opposition-territory/|title="Terrifying" scene as thousands penned in by Syrian army advance|website=CBS News |date=12 December 2016 }}{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/12/12/aleppo-operation-in-final-stages-syrian-general-says/|title=Syrian general says Aleppo operation in final stages|website=Al Jazeera}}{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=808226280135004160|date=12 December 2016|title=#Syria // #Aleppo / large scale collapse of rebel lines in the Fardous district and its surroundings.}} Sheikh Saeed contained the rebels' last remaining mill and grains warehouse.{{cite news|url=http://www.haaretz.com/middle-east-news/syria/1.758513|title=Aleppo: Massacre reported as Syrian army presses assault on last rebel holdout|newspaper=Haaretz}} Later in the day, the rebels fully retreated to the west side of the Queiq River and started establishing a new frontline.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKBN1410LA|title=Syrian general says Aleppo offensive in final stages|date=12 December 2016|newspaper=Reuters}} Still, many rebels surrendered,{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=808226870860709891|date=12 December 2016|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // SAA is advancing at an unprecedented pace in East Aleppo. Many cases of rebels surrendering today.}} with the Russian Defence Ministry putting the number at 728. During a lull in the shelling in the morning hours, hundreds and thousands of civilians fled across the frontlines into government-held parts of Aleppo, while the remaining rebel-held parts were becoming overcrowded with hundreds of rebel fighters and thousands of civilians who were finding sanctuary in half-destroyed buildings. Overall, the Army secured nine districts during the day, and were attempting to advance into the remaining patch of rebel territory{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=56886|title=The regime forces continue their attempts to take over the rest of the eastern Aleppo, and kill tens of civilians, fighters and their families in the neighborhoods they advanced to|date=13 December 2016|publisher=SOHR}} which consisted of three neighborhoods.{{cite web|url=http://www.mogaznews.com/en/World-News/283685.html|title=A local activist in Aleppo shared a haunting video of the deserted streets ...|date=13 December 2016|publisher=CNN|access-date=13 December 2016|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220135314/http://mogaznews.com/en/World-News/283685.html}} The rebels claimed over 180 people were executed by government forces in the areas they had seized. That night, rebels from Fatah Halab and Jaysh al-Fatah accepted the terms of surrender, under which they would be transferred to the Anadan plains,{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadists-begin-complete-withdrawal-east-aleppo/|title=Jihadists begin complete withdrawal from east Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=12 December 2016|access-date=12 December 2016|archive-date=17 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117065107/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/jihadists-begin-complete-withdrawal-east-aleppo/}} while street celebrations erupted in Aleppo after reports of the Syrian Army's declared victory. Still, fighting against remaining pockets of rebel resistance continued into the early hours of 13 December.{{cite web|url=http://tass.com/world/918857|title=Syrian forces suppressing last pockets of militant resistance in Aleppo ― media|date=13 December 2016|publisher=TASS}}

On 13 December, the remaining rebel-held areas east of the Queiq River were cleared, with the rebels squeezed into a small pocket of approximately 3.5 square kilometers to the west of it.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/aleppo-rebels-squeezed-syrian-army-retakes-territories-map-update/|title=Aleppo rebels squeezed as Syrian Army retakes more territories. Map Update|first=Zen|last=Adra|date=13 December 2016|access-date=13 December 2016|archive-date=16 November 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201116230856/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/aleppo-rebels-squeezed-syrian-army-retakes-territories-map-update/}} The UN stated it had reliable evidence that in four areas 82 civilians were executed by pro-government forces, while the UN children's agency cited a doctor that a building housing more than 100 unaccompanied children was under heavy attack.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38301629|title=Aleppo battle: UN says civilians shot on the spot|work=BBC News|date=13 December 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.alaraby.co.uk/english/news/2016/12/13/atrocities-in-aleppo-as-regime-kills-rapes-burns-bodies|title=Atrocities in Aleppo as regime kills, rapes, burns bodies|date=13 December 2016}} UN humanitarian advisor Jan Egeland concluded that all the governments, such as those of Russia, Syria, and Iran, who are supplying forces, military or militia, with weaponry, are directly responsible for protecting the lives of civilians.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38301629 |publisher=BBC| title=Aleppo battle: UN says civilians shot on the spot|date=13 December 2016}}

After the capture of rebel-held parts of Aleppo by the Syrian Army, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, led by Prince Zeid bin Ra'ad of Jordan, said it received "credible reports" that forces loyal to the government were "gunning down civilians" and killing residents in their homes in four different neighborhoods in Aleppo city.{{cite news|title='It is past time for you to act' to end carnage in Aleppo, UN chief tells emergency Security Council session|publisher=UN News Center|date=13 December 2016|access-date=15 December 2016|url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=55789#.WFKG69LNzIU}} The UN's humanitarian adviser on Syria, Jan Egeland, named an unspecified pro-government Iraqi Shia militia as being responsible for the massacre."[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38308883 Aleppo battle ends as Syria rebel deal reached]". BBC News. 13 December 2016.

Amnesty International, commenting on the UN reports, described the killings as war crimes and stated: "Amnesty International has previously highlighted the Syrian government's widespread and systematic use of enforced disappearance to attack the civilian population in what has amounted to crimes against humanity. It is crucial that independent monitors are deployed to prevent further enforced disappearances, torture and other ill-treatment".{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2016/12/syria-reports-of-execution-style-killings-in-aleppo-point-to-war-crimes/|title=Syria: Reports of execution-style killings in Aleppo point to war crimes|date=13 December 2016}} The deputy director of research for Amnesty International in Beirut also said: "The reports that civilians, including children, are being massacred in cold blood in their homes by Syrian government forces are deeply shocking but not unexpected given their conduct to date. Such extrajudicial executions would amount to war crimes."

Syrian Brigadier General Samir Suleiman responded: "These are false claims. The Arab Syrian army can never do this and we have never done it in our army's history."The Daily Beast, 13 December 2016, [http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2016/12/12/last-rebels-in-aleppo-say-assad-forces-are-burning-people-alive.html Women in Aleppo Choose Suicide Over Rape, Rebels Report]

Head of the Main Operations Department of Russia's General Staff Lieutenant-General Sergei Rudskoi commented that a "new information campaign" disseminated by "some Western politicians" that "[Aleppo's] streets are full of corpses while thousands of residents are still hiding in basements" is "a blatant lie". He stated that officers of Russia's Center for the Reconciliation of the Warring Sides in Syria and representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross who entered together with Syrian soldiers "found no corpses there", and neither were any seen by the "unmanned aerial vehicles [that] were broadcasting in real time to the entire world". He said that the accusations were based on "information from social networks and militants' websites".[http://tass.com/politics/920098 Russians call Aleppo massacre allegations as 'blatant lies']. TASS. 16 December 2016.

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A ceasefire agreement sponsored by Russia and Turkey was reached later on 13 December, under which the rebels were supposed to withdraw. Under the terms, a cessation of bombardment on rebel-held areas was implemented, while ground clashes were to cease in the evening, after which the first civilian evacuations would take place. All remaining rebels, along with their family members, were then to be evacuated{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-ceasefire-idUSKBN1421Y9|title=Syrian rebels say Aleppo truce deal struck, to take effect shortly|date=13 December 2016|newspaper=Reuters}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/12/14/syria-rebels-reach-evacuation-deal-with-government/|title=Syria rebels reach evacuation deal with government|website=Al Jazeera}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKBN1420H5|title=Battle of Aleppo ends after years of bloodshed with rebel withdrawal|date=13 December 2016|newspaper=Reuters}} to Aleppo's western outskirts in the early hours of 14 December, after which they would continue to the Idlib Governorate.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/militants-surrender-east-aleppo-map/|title=Militants to surrender all of east Aleppo: map|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=13 December 2016|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502054653/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/militants-surrender-east-aleppo-map/}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/13/deal-reached-to-evacuate-rebels-and-civilians-from-aleppo|title=Aleppo residents await evacuation after ceasefire deal offers hope of survival|first=Kareem|last=Shaheen|date=13 December 2016|newspaper=The Guardian}} In the evening, Vitaly Churkin, Permanent Representative of Russia to the United Nations, and Alfarouq, the leader of Ahrar al-Sham, both confirmed all military actions had ceased. Churkin reported the Syrian Army was in complete control of the city, while Alfarouq cautioned the rebels to be prepared in case of any breach.{{cite web|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/syrian-crisis/2016/12/13/deal-reached-for-evacuation-of-civilians-from-aleppo-after-turkeys-mediation|title=Deal reached for evacuation of civilians from Aleppo after Turkey's mediation|date=13 December 2016|publisher=Daily Sabah}}{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/russia-says-fighting-in-aleppo-over-as-un-decries-worst-humanitarian-tragedy-of-the-21st-century/|title=Russia says fighting in Aleppo over as UN decries 'worst humanitarian tragedy of the 21st century'|website=Fox News |date=13 December 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.nbcnews.com/storyline/aleppos-children/aleppo-civilians-killed-complete-meltdown-humanity-u-n-n695286|title=Cease-fire deal reached in Aleppo amid 'complete meltdown of humanity'|website=NBC News |date=14 December 2016 }}

The evacuation was however delayed for unknown reasons and none of the evacuation buses were moving into the eastern districts at the scheduled time.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-delay-idUSKBN1430BS|title=Syrian Observatory: Aleppo evacuation delayed, not clear why|date=14 December 2016|newspaper=Reuters}} Some entered briefly the previous night, but returned empty.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/14/syria-rebels-civilians-obstructed-pro-assad-shiite-militias/|title=Syria rebels and civilians 'obstructed' by pro-Assad Shiite militias from leaving Aleppo|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=14 December 2016|last1=Ensor|first1=Josie|last2=Burke|first2=Louise}} A pro-government source reported that sporadic gunfire from rebel areas prior to the scheduled departure caused many soldiers to worry that the agreement might fail and a military officer stated that the evacuation of rebels and civilians had been postponed indefinitely due to poor communication and internal disputes among the rebels.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/evacuation-jihadist-forces-delayed-east-aleppo/|title=Evacuation of jihadist forces delayed in east Aleppo|date=14 December 2016|publisher=Al-Masdar News|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502054444/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/evacuation-jihadist-forces-delayed-east-aleppo/}} In contrast, a rebel official blamed pro-government Shi'ite militias of obstructing the evacuation. Iran reportedly wanted the simultaneous evacuation of wounded from two villages besieged by the rebels in Idlib province, which was rejected by the rebels. A pro-opposition station stated that the evacuation might be delayed till the next day. But air strikes, shelling and ground clashes soon erupted,{{cite journal|url=http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Middle-East/2016/Dec-14/385309-aleppo-evacuation-may-be-delayed-until-thursday.ashx|title=Aleppo hit by air strikes and shelling as evacuation stalls|journal=The Daily Star|publisher=Reuters}} leaving the ceasefire broken.{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2016/12/14/middleeast/aleppo-syria-government-gains/|title=Aleppo: Ceasefire broken as evacuation of civilians delayed|date=14 December 2016 |publisher=CNN}} The Russian military accused the rebels of breaking the ceasefire, stating that although the Army had observed it, the rebels fired at a convoy meant for evacuation,{{cite news|url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4893099,00.html|title=Russia says Syrian troops retake Aleppo district|newspaper=Ynetnews|date=14 December 2016}} while Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accused the Syrian Army of breaking it.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38320647|title=Aleppo battle: Raids on Syria city 'likely a war crime' UN says|date=14 December 2016|publisher=BBC}} The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that the presence of 250 non-Syrian rebels whom the Syrian government wanted to detain for interrogation, was also a reason behind the deal breaking down.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/15/world/middleeast/aleppo-syria-evacuation-deal.html?|title=Aleppo Evacuation Effort Restarts, and Assad Calls It History in the Making|date=15 December 2016|work=The New York Times}}

Subsequently, rebel territory had reportedly shrunk to only 2.5 km², after the Army crossed the river and captured at least half of the Sukkari district.{{cite web|url=http://www.geopolmonitor.com/syrian-army-wards-off-breakthrough-attempt-militants-aleppo/|title=Syrian army wards off breakthrough attempt by militants in Aleppo|date=14 December 2016|publisher=GEOPOLMonitor|access-date=14 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220220524/http://www.geopolmonitor.com/syrian-army-wards-off-breakthrough-attempt-militants-aleppo/|archive-date=20 December 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN1432NI|title=Syrian government forces make new advance in Aleppo: Syrian Observatory|date=14 December 2016|publisher=Reuters}} During the fighting, the rebels launched an attack against pro-government forces using suicide car bombs.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idINKBN143016|title=Aleppo assault likely a war crime, says U.N. as evacuation stalls|date=14 December 2016|work=Reuters}} In the evening, a new ceasefire deal was reached, with evacuations scheduled to start early on 15 December, from both Aleppo and the villages of Foua and Kafriya besieged by the rebels. Two rebel and one pro-government official confirmed the ceasefire and the evacuation from Aleppo, but there were discrepancies in who would be evacuated from the villages, with the rebels stating it would only be the wounded, while the pro-government official stated that about 15,000 people would be transferred out. However, later, Hezbollah's media unit denied these reports, stating that negotiations were seeing big complications due to tension and operations on the front lines.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN1432RH|title=Syrian rebels say Aleppo deal back on track, but Hezbollah unit cites 'big complications'|date=14 December 2016|publisher=Reuters}}

The ceasefire was revived during the early hours of 15 December,{{cite web|url=http://www.nbc12.com/story/34057212/all-set-for-syria-rebels-civilians-to-start-leaving-aleppo|title=All set for Syria rebels, civilians to start leaving Aleppo|date=15 December 2016|access-date=15 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220133216/http://www.nbc12.com/story/34057212/all-set-for-syria-rebels-civilians-to-start-leaving-aleppo|archive-date=20 December 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://aa.com.tr/en/middle-east/cease-fire-once-again-reached-in-syria-s-aleppo-/706621|title=Cease-fire once again reached in Syria's Aleppo |date=15 December 2016|publisher=Anadolu Agency}}{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ceasefire-idUSKBN1440G6|title=Guns fall silent in Aleppo with evacuation due to start|date=15 December 2016|publisher=Reuters}} and the rebels would reportedly be taken to Khan Tuman.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-khan-touman-idUSKBN1440H2|title=Preparations begun to take Aleppo fighters to Khan Touman: Hezbollah military media|date=15 December 2016|work=Reuters}} The Russian Ministry of Defence stated that Russian soldiers would lead the evacuation of rebels with the Syrian government guaranteeing their safety, while the International Committee of the Red Cross would assist in transporting the wounded rebels.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/mideast-crisis-syria-aleppo-russia-idUSR4N1E401K|title=Russian soldiers preparing to lead rebels out of Aleppo - defence ministry|date=15 December 2016|work=Reuters}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/mideast-crisis-syria-aleppo-redcross-idUSR4N1E402I|title=Russia says Red Cross to help with Aleppo evacuation|date=15 December 2016|work=Reuters}} UN's humanitarian adviser in Syria, Jan Egeland stated the sick and wounded including orphans would be evacuated first, followed by vulnerable people and then the rebels.

Soon, the evacuation had begun,{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-official-idUSKBN1440EQ|title=Syrian official says operation begins to evacuate eastern Aleppo|date=15 December 2016|work=Reuters}} and around noon, the first wave of evacuees reached rebel-held territory to the west of Aleppo.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2016/dec/15/aleppo-tense-as-evacuations-set-to-begin-live-updates|title=Operation to evacuate people from Aleppo begins – as it happened|first=Matthew|last=Weaver|date=15 December 2016|newspaper=The Guardian}}[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=57054 The first group arrives from factions' controlled square in Aleppo to the western countryside] Nearly 1,000 people, including 300 children and 28 wounded people, were evacuated in the first convoy.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN143317|title=Aleppo rebel evacuation under way after ceasefire deal|date=14 December 2016|work=Reuters}}{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/International/civilians-evacuated-east-aleppo/story?id=44214947|title=First Civilians Evacuated From East Aleppo|work=ABC News}} Fighters from Jabhat Fatah al-Sham and their prisoners were reportedly the first to leave.{{Cite web|url=http://en.aleppo24.com/the-jabhat-fath-al-sham-were-among-the-first-to-leave-besieged-aleppo-and-the-fate-of-those-they-arrested-remain-unknown|title=The Jabhat Fath Al-Sham were among the first to leave besieged Aleppo and the fate of those they arrested remains unknown|work=Aleppo 24|date=17 December 2016|access-date=17 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161221232658/http://en.aleppo24.com/the-jabhat-fath-al-sham-were-among-the-first-to-leave-besieged-aleppo-and-the-fate-of-those-they-arrested-remain-unknown|archive-date=21 December 2016}} During the evacuation, it was reported that pro-government militias had shot at the ambulances carrying the civilians as they left eastern Aleppo. According to one report, one person was killed and four injured, while another said only three people were injured. Syrian state television reported that the convoy also evacuated rebel fighters, while according to the rebels' chief negotiator, the fighters would be evacuated after the first or second convoy.{{cite web|url=http://www.964eagle.co.uk/news/world-news/2176853/aleppo-first-convoy-carrying-injured-leaves-rebel-held-areas-in-city/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161216133635/http://www.964eagle.co.uk/news/world-news/2176853/aleppo-first-convoy-carrying-injured-leaves-rebel-held-areas-in-city/|archive-date=16 December 2016|title=Aleppo: First convoy carrying injured leaves rebel-held areas in city|publisher=Eagle Radio}}{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/12/east-aleppo-civilians-trapped-uncertain-ceasefire-161215034620364.html|title=Evacuation of east Aleppo under way during ceasefire|publisher=Al-Jazeera}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN1441J9|title=Reuters witness: evacuation begins from rebel-held Aleppo area|date=15 December 2016|work=Reuters}} Meanwhile, evacuations had also reportedly begun in Foua and Kafriya. As the withdrawal was getting underway, the rebels burned their command centers, warehouses and vehicles,[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=57044 Rebels burn their properties before leaving eastern Aleppo] while Senior Russian general Viktor Poznikhir stated that the Syrian Army had almost finished its operations in Aleppo.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-russia-aleppo-operatio-idUSKBN1441V9|title=Russia says Syrian army is wrapping up operations in Aleppo|date=15 December 2016|newspaper=Reuters}} Later in the day, the second and third convoy had left, with the second evacuating 1,198 people.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/15/syria-ambulances-on-the-move-as-aleppo-evacuation-operation-begins|title=Hundreds leave besieged east Aleppo on first day of evacuation|first=Kareem|last=Shaheen|date=15 December 2016|newspaper=The Guardian}}[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=57075 The third group of Aleppo's besieged people gets out to Aleppo's countryside within the Turkish – Russian agreement framework] The U.N. envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura stated that around 50,000 people were still to be evacuated, of which 40,000 civilians would go to West Aleppo, while the remaining 10,000 consisting of 1,500–5,000 rebels and their families would be taken to Idlib.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-demistura-idUSKBN1442N1|title=U.N. Syria envoy says rebel city Idlib risks Aleppo fate if no peace talks|date=16 December 2016|newspaper=Reuters}}

By the morning of 16 December, according to SOHR, 8,500 people overall had been evacuated, including some 3,000 fighters and 360 wounded, in nine convoys. The tenth convoy had also left.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=57103 8500 including 3000 rebels leave eastern Aleppo in less than 24 hours] According to rebel officials, the number of evacuees was much lower, with no rebels having left.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN1451JG|title=Syria government, rebels working to secure Aleppo evacuation deal|date=16 December 2016|work=Reuters}} The Red Cross put the figure at 10,000. Later during the day, the evacuation was again suspended, with the Syrian government blaming the rebels for breaking the deal. Reports said it was suspended because of the rebels refusing to allow the evacuation of the wounded from Foua and Kafriya,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38339300|title=Syria suspends Aleppo evacuations, blaming rebels|work=BBC News|date=16 December 2016}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/16/aleppo-evacuation-suspended-as-blasts-heard-at-departure-point|title=Aleppo evacuation suspended as al-Qaida-linked rebels obstruct deal|first=Kareem|last=Shaheen|date=16 December 2016|newspaper=The Guardian}} which prompted protesters to block the road being used for the evacuation in Aleppo, demanding the evacuation from the two villages.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-aleppo-idlib-idUSKBN14510I|title=Hezbollah-run media outlet: protesters block road used for Aleppo evacuations|date=16 December 2016|newspaper=Reuters}}{{cite tweet|user=InsideSourceInt|author=The Inside Source|number=809695142605004800|date=16 December 2016|title=#Syria // #Aleppo // Protesters on the streets in Ramousah demanding the evacuation of Foua'a and Kefraya, causing the road to be closed.}} Another report stated it was suspended because of rebels trying to leave with captives and smuggle out weapons.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKBN1451JG|title=Aleppo evacuation suspended amid dispute over villages|date=16 December 2016|newspaper=Reuters}} The rebels denied these reports, accusing pro-government militias of blocking the road being used for evacuation and firing on the vehicles.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-aleppo-commander-idUSKBN1451D9|title=Aleppo rebels on alert as govt forces block road: rebels|newspaper=Reuters|date=16 December 2016}} The tenth convoy carrying civilians was turned back towards east Aleppo.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-evacuation-idUSKBN1451KH|title=Buses turned back towards eastern Aleppo: Reuters witness|newspaper=Reuters|date=16 December 2016}} In retaliation for the militia attack on the tenth convoy, two rebels attacked government positions and were killed.{{cite web|url=http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=57167|title=Fighters retaliate for the tenth convoy attack the regime forces in Aleppo city, and tens of buses are preparing to start heading towards Al-Fu'ah, Kafriya and Madaya simultaneously|date=17 December 2016}} Later, heavy fighting had resumed,{{Cite web|url=https://twitter.com/sayed_ridha/status/809715011597672448|title=x.com}} with government forces reportedly advancing in two districts.{{cite tweet|user=sayed_ridha|author=Hassan Ridha|number=809731070182555649|date=16 December 2016|title=Syrian Army & allies advance inside al-Sukkari & al-Ansari neighbourhoods}} Russia's Ministry of Defence meanwhile claimed that the Syrian Army had completed the operation to capture Aleppo and were eliminating the last pockets of resistance.{{cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/assad-forces-have-completed-aleppo-liberation-russia-claims-10697666|title=Assad forces have completed Aleppo 'liberation', Russia claims|publisher=Sky News}} It later also claimed that the evacuation was complete, with all civilians and 3,400 rebels who made the bulk of the rebels' fighting force being evacuated.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN1451Y5|title=Russia says takeover of east Aleppo facilitates Syria peace deal|date=16 December 2016|work=Reuters}}

File:International Mine Action Center in Syria (Aleppo) 11.jpg in Aleppo, 23 December 2016]]

Another deal was reached on 18 December, which also allowed evacuation from Madaya and Al-Zabadani. The evacuation resumed later in the day.{{cite web|url=http://timesofoman.com/article/98797/World/Middle-East/Aleppo-evacuation-resumes-after-Syrian-rebels-pro-government-forces-reach-deal|title=Aleppo evacuation resumes after Syrian rebels, pro-government forces reach deal|date=18 December 2016|publisher=Times of Oman}} It was later suspended again due to the attack on six buses en route to Foua and Kafriya, however resumed again later with a convoy carrying civilians being allowed to leave.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-humanitarian-idUSKBN1470TT|title=Syrian Observatory: Villages, Aleppo evacuations postponed until further notice|date=18 December 2016|publisher=Reuters}}{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKBN1451JG|title=Gunmen burn buses, Aleppo convoy goes through|date=18 December 2016|publisher=Reuters}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/18/aleppo-hopes-raised-that-evacuation-could-soon-resume|title=Aleppo evacuations resume after buses attacked and burned|date=19 December 2016|work=The Guardian}} The United Nations Security Council voted on 19 December, to monitor the evacuation and report the condition of civilians.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/19/world/middleeast/aleppo-evacuations-syria.html|title=U.N. Will Send Monitors to Aleppo, as Evacuations Resume|date=19 December 2016|work=The New York Times}} The Red Cross stated that 15,000 people were evacuated by the end of the day, bringing the total to 25,000.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-evacuation-idUSKBN149108|title=ICRC says total of 25,000 evacuated from Aleppo|date=20 December 2016|publisher=Reuters}} However, SOHR disputed the ICRC figure and stated that by 20 December, 16,200 had been evacuated, including several thousand rebels, while between 2,000 and 3,000 still remained.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=57393 Tens of buses enter the factions' square to transfer hundreds of fighters; the displacement operation of Aleppo city is almost finished] The Syrian Army warned the rebels on 20 December that it will enter the territory held by them later in the day and told them all to leave east Aleppo.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38378229|title=Aleppo evacuation: Syrian army warns rebels to leave|date=20 December 2016|publisher=BBC}} The evacuation again stalled later in the day, but resumed the following day.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/aleppo-evacuation-3000-syria-city-war-pro-assad-leave-stall-for-day-a7489096.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161222084443/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/middle-east/aleppo-evacuation-3000-syria-city-war-pro-assad-leave-stall-for-day-a7489096.html |archive-date=22 December 2016 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|title=Aleppo: 3,000 to leave destroyed Syrian city after evacuations stalled for a day|date=21 December 2016|work=The Independent}}{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN14A1CL|title=Aleppo evacuation resumes after day-long hold-up|date=21 December 2016|publisher=Reuters}} SOHR later stated that the last batch of evacuees had left and Syrian Army had taken control of Aleppo city. A UN and a rebel official however stated that evacuations were still ongoing.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN14A23G|title=Observatory says Assad controls Aleppo, U.N. official says evacuations ongoing|date=21 December 2016|publisher=Reuters}} Over 34,000 people including more than 4,000 rebels were evacuated by morning of 22 December according to a statement made by the Red Cross.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN14B14O|title=4,000 fighters have left Aleppo in latest stage, thousands await evacuation: Red Cross|date=22 December 2016|publisher=Reuters}} The Syrian Army later announced that it had retaken complete control of the city after the last rebel fighters were evacuated. A rebel official also stated that the evacuation was complete.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN14B1NQ|title=Syrian army announces victory in Aleppo in boost for Assad|date=22 December 2016|publisher=Reuters}} The Red Cross later confirmed that the evacuation of all civilians and rebels was complete.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN14B1NQ|title=Aleppo evacuation is complete, Red Cross says|date=22 December 2016|publisher=Reuters}}

In the days following the evacuation, 63 soldiers and pro-government militiamen were killed by booby traps left by the retreating rebels in the former rebel-held part of Aleppo.{{cite web|url=http://www.skynews.com.au/news/world/mideast/2016/12/27/mass-graves-found-by-russians-in-syria.html|title=Mass graves found by Russians in Syria|first=Australian News Channel Pty|last=Ltd|access-date=26 December 2016|archive-date=2 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502000243/https://www.skynews.com.au/news/world/mideast/2016/12/27/mass-graves-found-by-russians-in-syria.html}}

The Syrian Army accused the jihadist rebels of Fatah Halab and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham of carrying out a massacre prior to leaving the last east Aleppo neighborhoods. Over 100 Syrian Army POWs, mostly young men between the ages of 18 and 25, were reportedly summarily executed by the rebels prior to their departure from the Sukkari and Bustan Al-Qasr districts of east Aleppo, according to the Syrian Army.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-18-rebels-massacre-100-hostages-leaving-east-aleppo/|title=(Graphic 18+) Rebels massacre over 100 hostages before leaving east Aleppo|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=23 December 2016|access-date=24 December 2016|archive-date=27 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161227075253/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/graphic-18-rebels-massacre-100-hostages-leaving-east-aleppo/}}{{Cite web|url=http://en.alalam.ir/news/1901843|title=Rebels Massacre Over 100 Hostages before Leaving East Aleppo|website=en.alalam.ir}} The soldiers were said to have been captured during the four-year battle for Aleppo City.{{cite web|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/former-us-backed-rebel-group-behind-east-aleppo-massacre/|title=Former US-backed rebel group behind east Aleppo massacre|first=Leith|last=Fadel|date=24 December 2016|access-date=24 December 2016|archive-date=24 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161224235149/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/former-us-backed-rebel-group-behind-east-aleppo-massacre/}} However, the pro-opposition activist group the SOHR denied the Army's allegation and stated the dozens of bodies that were found belonged to soldiers who were killed during fighting in the southern outskirts of the city.[http://www.syriahr.com/en/?p=57691 The regime forces find bodies of tens of its members, and so far it is not true that they were executed by the factions]

The Army's High Command demanded the release of these soldiers before the rebels departed from east Aleppo; however, the latter denied having any hostages.{{citation needed|date=October 2018}} According to the pro-government[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-38155933 Syria conflict: 'Israeli jets' strike outside Damascus], BBC. Al-Masdar News, it was initially said that Jabhat Fateh Al-Sham (formerly Jabhat Al-Nusra) were behind the alleged massacre in east Aleppo; however, it was later said to be Ahrar Al-Sham and Harakat Nouriddeen Al-Zinki who were responsible.{{cite web|title=Former US-backed rebel group behind east Aleppo massacre|url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/former-us-backed-rebel-group-behind-east-aleppo-massacre/|website=Al-Masdar|date=24 December 2016|access-date=2 January 2017|archive-date=25 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161225152157/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/former-us-backed-rebel-group-behind-east-aleppo-massacre/}}

{{Expand section|more details|date=December 2016}}

• {{flag|United Nations}} - Jens Laerke, a spokesman for the United Nations office coordinating emergency relief, called the events "a complete meltdown of humanity".The New York Times, 13 December 2016, [https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/13/world/middleeast/syria-aleppo-civilians.html 'A Complete Meltdown of Humanity': Aleppo Civilians Reported Killed as They Flee]
• {{United States}} - Samantha Power, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations at the time, placed blame on the Syrian government, Russia, and Iran for the attack, calling it "modern evil."{{Cite web |last=Nichols |first=Michelle |date=13 December 2016 |title=Russia declares Aleppo offensive over, U.S. dubs it 'modern evil' |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN14224N/ |website=Reuters}}
• {{Flag|Yemen}} - the Houthi prime minister in Sanaa, in a telephone conversation with the Prime Minister of Syria, congratulated Aleppo freedom and expressed hope that soon the complete liberation of Iraq and Yemen would be met.{{Cite news|url=http://tnews.ir/news/d93276182373.html|title=نخست وزیر یمن، آزادی حلب را تبریک گفت|last=tnews.ir|newspaper=جستجوگر اخبار تی نیوز tnews.ir|language=fa|access-date=17 December 2016|archive-date=30 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180930000240/http://tnews.ir/news/d93276182373.html}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.ghatreh.com/news/nn35097173/%D9%86%D8%AE%D8%B3%D8%AA-%D9%88%D8%B2%DB%8C%D8%B1-%DB%8C%D9%85%D9%86-%D8%A2%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%AF%DB%8C-%D8%AD%D9%84%D8%A8-%D8%B3%D9%88%D8%B1%DB%8C%D9%87-%D8%AA%D8%A8%D8%B1%DB%8C%DA%A9-%DA%AF%D9%81%D8%AA|title=نخست وزیر یمن، آزادی حلب را به سوریه تبریک گفت|last=خطير|first=حسن قلي پور|newspaper=موتور جستجوی قطره|access-date=17 December 2016}}
• {{Flag|Iran}} - the Iranian defense minister congratulated his Syrian counterpart on the "full liberation of Aleppo from Takfiri terrorists".{{Cite news|url=https://www.tasnimnews.com/en/news/2016/12/14/1267638/iranian-dm-congratulates-syria-on-liberation-of-aleppo-from-terrorists|title=Tasnim News Agency - Iranian DM Congratulates Syria on Liberation of Aleppo from Terrorists|newspaper=Tasnim News Agency|access-date=17 December 2016}} The Iranian President also congratulated Bashar al-Assad on the occasion.{{Cite web|url=https://rowadel-3alam.com/service/%d9%86%d9%82%d9%84-%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%b9%d9%81%d8%b4-%d9%88%d8%a7%d9%84%d8%a7%d8%ab%d8%a7%d8%ab/|title=المیادین: رئیس جمهور ایران آزادی حلب را به بشار اسد تبریک گفت|last=جهان|first=خبرگزاری باشگاه خبرنگاران {{!}} آخرین اخبار ایران و|website=خبرگزاری باشگاه خبرنگاران {{!}} آخرین اخبار ایران و جهان|language=fa-IR|access-date=17 December 2016}}
• {{Flag|Russia}} - the spokesperson for the Russian defense ministry, Major General Igor Konashenkov, declared that "the operation of the Russian Center for Reconciliation has shown that what is necessary for moving forward for reconciliation in Syria is the desire to negotiate with all parties of the conflict directly 'on the ground', with the exception of terrorist groups".{{Cite news|url=http://www.therussophile.org/russian-defense-ministry-we-did-the-impossible-in-aleppo.html/|title=Russian defense ministry: We did the impossible in Aleppo - Russia News Now|date=17 December 2016|newspaper=Russia News Now|language=en-US|access-date=17 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220170008/http://www.therussophile.org/russian-defense-ministry-we-did-the-impossible-in-aleppo.html/|archive-date=20 December 2016}}
• {{Flag|Algeria}} - Algerian Foreign Minister, Ramtane Lamamra, on the sidelines of the conference of peace and security in Africa, stated that Syrian government victories in Aleppo are "regaining supremacy and hegemony over the city and defeating terrorism".{{Cite web |url=http://www.farsnews.ir/newstext.php?nn=13950929000115 |title=الجزایر: دولت سوریه در حلب بر تروریسم پیروز شد |access-date=19 December 2016 |archive-date=19 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161219081316/http://www.farsnews.ir/newstext.php?nn=13950929000115 }}

{{Expand section|more details|date=December 2016}}

File:Разминирование российскими саперами исторической Цитадели древней крепости Алеппо.pngs conducting a demining operation inside the Aleppo citadel, January 2017]]

President Bashar al-Assad stated that the victory in Aleppo not only belonged to the Syrian army, but was also a victory for Syria's allies, Russia and Iran. He also said that the victory was a "basic step on the road to ending terrorism in the whole of Syrian territory and creating the right circumstances for a solution to end the war".{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-23/assad-says-aleppos-capture-also-victory-for-iran-russia/8143428|title=Syria's Assad says Aleppo's capture also 'victory' for Iran, Russia|newspaper=ABC News|date=23 December 2016}}

Some commentators also remarked that whilst the victory in Aleppo was a sure sign of growing Russian influence, Iran was believed to be the greatest beneficiary of the battle's outcome.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/dec/17/aleppo-fall-syria-iran-winner-influence-analysis|title=Russia's influence has risen but Iran is the real winner in Aleppo|first=Martin|last=Chulov|newspaper=The Observer |date=17 December 2016|via=The Guardian}} The Syrian Army's next goal was thought to possibly be the retaking of the whole Aleppo Province.{{cite web |url=https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/comes-next-aleppo/ |title=What comes next in Aleppo? |publisher=Al-Masdar News |date=18 December 2016 |access-date=22 December 2016 |archive-date=2 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190502055130/https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/comes-next-aleppo/ }}

• 2016 Aleppo summer campaign
• Aleppo offensive (June–July 2016)
• Aleppo offensive (July–August 2016)
• Aleppo offensive (August–September 2016)
• Aleppo offensive (September–October 2016)
• Aleppo offensive (October–November 2016)
• Palmyra offensive (December 2016), simultaneous ISIL offensive

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Syrian Civil War}}

{{Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Aleppo offensive (November 2016)}}

Category:Aleppo in the Syrian civil war

Category:Conflicts in 2016

Category:November 2016 in Syria

Category:December 2016 in Syria

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war in 2016

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Jabhat Fateh al-Sham

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Free Syrian Army

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Syrian government

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Russia

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Quds Force

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving Hezbollah

Category:Massacres of the Syrian civil war perpetrated by rebels

Category:Military operations of the Syrian civil war involving the Popular Mobilization Forces

Category:Russian military intervention in the Syrian civil war

Category:Incidents involving NATO

Category:Russia–NATO relations

Category:Russia–United Kingdom military relations

Category:Maritime incidents in 2016