In Syria, some 6,000 civilians have left eastern Aleppo in the past 24 hours. Citing Russia's Defense Ministry, the Interfax news agency reported over 300 rebels had laid down their arms and departed their territories in the same period.

The information comes amid reports that the Russia-Turkey brokered evacuation plan was delayed by several hours on Wednesday. The deal was announced late Tuesday as government forces pushed forward into the city to recapture the last remaining rebel-controlled areas.

Under the accord, both civilians and rebel fighters must be transported to a territory elsewhere in northern Syria. The United Nations says it is ready to facilitate or help in the evacuation efforts, despite being excluded from the plan.