Russia's Defense Ministry says that humanitarian corridors out of Syria's Aleppo are still open and that there have been no Russian or Syrian airstrikes on the besieged city for seven days now. The ministry's spokesman, Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, said on Tuesday that a total of 48 women and children left eastern Aleppo the previous evening. There was no immediate confirmation from the rebels in the eastern, rebel-held districts of Aleppo. Konashenkov says the six humanitarian corridors out of the eastern part of the city continue to function "around the clock." He says that Russian and Syrian warplanes "are not approaching the city and are not carrying out attacks." Konashenkov's statement came after fighting resumed in Aleppo over the weekend, with Syrian government forces shelling opposition districts. "Flights over Aleppo by the Russian and Syrian air forces have been completely halted for the last seven days," said Konashenkov. Six humanitarian corridors in eastern Aleppo, which were opened as part of the pause in hostilities to allow civilians to flee, were still operating, said Konashenkov. He said 48 women and children had left the city late on Monday escorted by Russian military officers. Aleppo was Syria's most populous city before the war, but is now divided into government- and rebel-held areas. Intense bombardment has reduced the rebel-held east of the city to ruins.Russia has repeatedly complained that its efforts to help civilians evacuate have been thwarted by militants who it says have opened fire on anyone wanting to leave. Rebels did not accept the ceasefire, which they say does nothing to alleviate the situation of those who choose to remain in eastern Aleppo, and believe it is part of a government policy to purge cities of political opponents. — Reuters
