Syrian government tells east Aleppo residents to evacuate via text messages

CNN – Residents in war-ravaged eastern Aleppo received a dire warning early Sunday: Prepare for your city to be bombed and evacuate in the next 24 hours.

The warning came via text message, urging the sick and wounded to flee before a “strategically planned assault using high precision weapons occurs within 24 hours.”

Rebels were also given an ultimatum to lay down their arms and renounce their leadership, or be killed.

The message was likely sent by the Syrian government as the regime is likely the only party capable of sending a mass text to the entire population.

While there were no reports of a bombardment by Monday afternoon, witnesses told CNN that fighter jets had been spotted in the city, as deadly skirmishes were reported all over Aleppo.