Assad offers amnesty for Syria rebels who lay down arms

Reuters
Rebel fighters from 'Mujahideen Horan brigade' carry their weapons as they take part in military training in the western rural area of Deraa Governorate, Syria June 19, 2016. REUTERS/Alaa Al-Faqir

BEIRUT (Reuters) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad offered an amnesty on Thursday for rebels who lay down their arms and surrender to authorities within three months. The amnesty offer, announced on state media, came as pro-government forces tightened their control around rebel-held districts of the northern city of Aleppo, where at least 250,000 civilians are believed to be trapped. Russia, which is supporting Assad, said on Thursday three corridors would be established by the Russian and Syrian militaries for civilians to leave the city. (Reporting by Dominic Evans; Editing by John Davison)