Phto: AFP    

The Syrian army says it has retaken full control of Aleppo, following the evacuation of the last group of rebels, the BBC reports.

In a statement, the army said it had “returned security to Aleppo” and called it a “crushing blow” for rebels.

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed “all civilians who wished to be evacuated have been, as well as the wounded and fighters”.

This is the biggest victory for President Bashar al-Assad since the uprising against him began in 2011.