Syrian government says it rejects ceasefire in Aleppo if rebel remains

Damascus: The government of Syria on Tuesday said they will not agree to initiate a ceasefire in Aleppo unless it guarantees a full withdrawal of rebel factions from the city.

"Syria will not leave its citizens in east Aleppo to be held hostage by terrorists, and will exert every effort to liberate them," said a foreign ministry statement carried by state news agency SANA.

"It, therefore, rejects any attempt by any side to reach a ceasefire in east Aleppo that would not include the exit of all terrorists."