© REUTERS/ Hosam Katan/File photo
Russia and the Syrian government have launched a joint large-scale humanitarian relief operation in Aleppo, establishing three corridors for civilians and one for militants with weapons and equipment, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said Thursday.
"We have repeatedly called on the warring parties to reconcile, but every time the militants violated the cessation of hostilities, shelled villages, attacked the positions of government troops. As a result, a complex humanitarian situation has been created in Aleppo and its suburbs," Shoigu told reporters.
He said the joint operation, with facilities
distributing food and medical aid at the humanitarian corridors, was launched in accordance with Russian President Vladimir Putin's instructions "solely in order to ensure the safety of the residents of Aleppo."
Shoigu pointed out that a fourth corridor for militants wishing to surrender was established in northern Aleppo because the United States failed to provide data on the separation between the Nusra Front and the Syrian Free Army.
Comment: The ICRC
welcomed the move, adding that humanitarian corridors must be "well planned and ... implemented with the consent of parties on all sides." Good luck telling that to the U.S.'s moderate rebels! The first group of Aleppo residents trapped in the siege against the terrorists holding the city
began their escape today through the corridor created with Russian help.
MSF may also join an
international call for help with the aid operation:
Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders, or MSF) is interested in Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu's call on international organizations to take part in Russia-backed humanitarian operation in Syria's Aleppo, the head of mission in Russia for MSF Operational Center in Brussels (OCB) told Sputnik on Thursday.
"As stated many times before, MSF is very concerned about the people of Aleppo, and the estimated 250,000 people trapped in the east of the city. MSF is thus interested in this call from Defense Minister Shoigu, and we are willing to make contact with the MoD [Ministry of Defense] to get accurate and comprehensive information on the conditions," Ewald Stals said.
Meanwhile US aid is stuck in the mud:
USAID 'significant fraud': $239 million in desperately needed Syrian aid frozen
Comment: The ICRC welcomed the move, adding that humanitarian corridors must be "well planned and ... implemented with the consent of parties on all sides." Good luck telling that to the U.S.'s moderate rebels! The first group of Aleppo residents trapped in the siege against the terrorists holding the city began their escape today through the corridor created with Russian help.
MSF may also join an international call for help with the aid operation: Meanwhile US aid is stuck in the mud: USAID 'significant fraud': $239 million in desperately needed Syrian aid frozen