Aleppo: Syrian rebels claim evacuation being blocked by Iran

Iran is reportedly insisting that its groups in al-Foua and Kefraya be liberated before resuming evacuation efforts in Aleppo

UN envoy to Syria put the number of people remaining in eastern Aleppo at 50,000 (Getty)

Syrian rebels have accused Iran and Shia-backed militias of deliberately holding up a deal to evacuate civilians trapped in the rebel-held city of Aleppo.

Iran is reportedly insisting that Tehran-aligned groups in al-Foua and Kefraya, two Shia villages, be liberated before resuming evacuation efforts in Aleppo, according to Munir al Sayal, head of the political wing of the Ahrar al Sham rebel group, which is involved in the negotiations.

Evacuation of Aleppo’s remaining civilians and rebels from the opposition-held area was halted on Friday after reports a ceasefire, negotiated by Turkey and Russia, had broken down.

Journalists on the ground reported pro-government militias had been shooting at those trying to flee the city.

“Iran and its sectarian proxies are using the humanitarian situation of our people in besieged Aleppo and preventing civilians from leaving until the evacuation of their groups in al-Foua and Kefyra,” Mr Sayal said.

He also stated that Russia’s assertion that most civilians had already been evacuated from Aleppo showed Moscow was trying to renounce its responsibilities under the deal.

“Russia has failed to restrain the sectarian Shia militias in Aleppo to complete the deal and Moscow should abide by its commitments,” he said.

“There are still civilians in Aleppo who need to be evacuated in harsh weather conditions and Russian statements that besieged Aleppo is empty is absolving itself from following up on the agreement.”

It is thought there are something like 40,000 to 50,000 people still in the city.

Additional reporting by Reuters