(VOVworld) - Up to 16,000 people fled militant-held parts of eastern Aleppo before the Syrian army’s recent advance, UN humanitarian chief Stephen O'Brien said Tuesday. He added that thousands more are likely to flee if the fighting continues to intensify.

Up to 16,000 people fled militant-held parts of eastern Aleppo before the Syrian army’s recent advance (Source: EPA/VNA)

Ten thousands of the refugees fled to districts held by the government on the west side of Aleppo while six thousands fled to Kurdish-held neighborhoods. 

The UN once again urged all parties to halt military operations to allow humanitarian aid into the besieged city. According to the latest statistics, 200,000 people are still trapped in eastern Aleppo.