The rebels breached a ceasefire in Syria's northern city of Aleppo on Friday, firing mortar shells and sniper shots at a crossing designed for their evacuation, state TV reported.

According to the report, the rebels leaving through Ramouseh area south of Aleppo wanted to take along the kidnapped people, in what was seen as a breach to the evacuation deal brokered by Russia and Turkey to end the presence of rebels in Aleppo.

The buses supposed to transfer the rebels out of Aleppo, along with ambulances of the Red Cross, have withdrawn.

Further details about the rebel attack and the suspension of the evacuation are unknown as yet.

The evacuation of rebels and their families started on Thursday, and over 8,000 have already left toward the western countryside of Aleppo.

source: Xinhua