Members of the White Helmets search for victims amid the rubble of a destroyed building following reported air strikes in Aleppo. /AFP
MOSCOW – The Russian and Syrian air forces have stopped bombing Aleppo as of 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Russia’s defense minister said, in a move he said was meant to pave the way for an eight-hour truce on October 20.
“Strikes in the Aleppo region by the Russian and Syrian air forces are stopping today starting at 10 a.m.,” Sergei Shoigu said in a televised briefing.
“The early cessation of air strikes is necessary to introduce a ‘humanitarian pause’ on October 20. This guarantees the security of civilians’ exit through six corridors and prepares the evacuation of the sick and injured from eastern Aleppo.”
Russia’s defense ministry said Monday that its forces and the Syrian regime would halt fire in Aleppo on Thursday for eight hours amid mounting criticism of the Moscow-backed assault against Syria’s second city.
Shoigu on Tuesday called on countries that “have influence on armed groups in eastern Aleppo” to convince group leaders to cease hostilities and leave the city.
Shoigu said the initiative could “contribute to the success” of international military talks in Geneva on Wednesday on efforts to distance Syrian opposition fighters from jihadist group Fateh al-Sham Front, which changed its name from Al-Nusra Front after renouncing its ties to Al-Qaeda.