HMEIMIM /Syria/, December 7. /TASS/. Syria’s government forces have regained control over 15 districts of the city of Aleppo, retaking 70% of the city’s eastern part from militants, the Russian center for reconciliation of warring sides in Syria said on Wednesday.

"In the past 24 hours, on December 7, the Syrian army liberated 15 districts of eastern Aleppo from militants," the statement said. "Hence, 50 districts of the city’s eastern part are now under control of the Syrian authorities, which makes about 70% of the territory earlier controlled by militants."

Over the past 24 hours, 1,200 civilians left Aleppo’s districts controlled by militants. The Russian reconciliation center provides them with hot meals, warm clothing and essentials. Besides, the statement says that 66 militants laid down their arms and left for western Aleppo. In line with the Syrian president’s decree, they were amnestied.

The Russian Defense Ministry declared the establishment of the reconciliation center on February 23. It is headquartered at the Hmeimim air base, Latakia province. The center was set up in line with agreements reached by Russia and the United States to facilitate the negotiations between the Syrian government and opposition and to organize humanitarian deliveries.