Russia Announces 8-Hour Aleppo Ceasefire for "Humanitarian Pauses"

Russia Announces 8-Hour Aleppo Ceasefire for
Mon Oct 17, 2016 20:36:14

Russia has said Monday its forces and Syrian army troops would briefly halt fire in Aleppo on Thursday, for the free passage of civilians, evacuation of the sick and wounded and withdrawal of fighters.

“We have taken a decision not to waste time and to introduce 'humanitarian pauses', mainly for the free passage of civilians, evacuation of the sick and wounded and withdrawal of fighters," senior Russian military officer Sergei Rudskoi said at a press briefing; AFP reported.

The ceasefire would run from 0800 to 1600 local time (0500 GMT to 1300 GMT) "in the area of Aleppo", Rudskoi said.

"During this period the Russian air force and Syrian government troops will halt air strikes and firing from any other types of weapons," he said.

Rudskoi said that the initiative comes as Russia, the United Nations and "countries with influence" were continuing to work on a plan for getting militants from the Fateh al-Sham Front, formerly known as Al-Nusra Front and Al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria, to leave Aleppo."

Moscow last Thursday said it was ready to guarantee safe passage for rebel fighters out of eastern Aleppo along a pre-ordained corridor on the Castello Road, the main potential route for humanitarian assistance into the city.

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