U.S.-backed rebels agreed to a cease-fire in Aleppo hours after reports that the Syrian military, backed by Russia, was in the final stages of recapturing the city.

“Yasser al-Youssef, a spokesman for the Nour el-Din el-Zinki rebel group, confirmed the cease-fire and says the goal is to evacuate civilians and rebels from besieged areas,” according to the Associated Press.