Russia says 'counter-terrorism' operation in Aleppo to end within hours

The "counter-terrorism" operation in Aleppo will end within the next few hours, Russia's envoy to the UN told its Security Council on Tuesday evening.

"All militants, together with members of their family and the injured, currently are going through agreed corridors in directions that they have chosen themselves voluntarily," Vitaly Churkin said.

The Security Council was holding a heated emergency session on the situation in Aleppo on Tuesday night. 

Samantha Power, the US ambassador to the UN, asked if Russia was "literally incapable of shame" during the session.

Russia has repeatedly used its position as a permanent member of the Security Council to block proposed ceasefires in Aleppo.