Photo: Reuters
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said a victory for his army in Aleppo would be a “huge step” towards ending the country’s five-year civil war, the BBC reports.
But he added that the defeat of rebel groups in the northern city would not end the conflict.
The rebels called for a five-day truce to allow the evacuation of civilians, after withdrawing from their last strongholds in Aleppo’s Old City.
But Mr Assad ruled out any ceasefires, as his army continues its offensive.
In an interview with Syria’s al-Watan newspaper, President Assad said: “It’s true that Aleppo will be a win for us, but let’s be realistic – it won’t mean the end of the war in Syria.
“But it will be a huge step towards this end.
“Terrorists are present elsewhere. Even if we finish with Aleppo, we will continue our war against them.”
