Aleppo
© AFPSyrian rebels pose with the children they're holding hostage in Aleppo.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov denied allegations that Russia and Syria are preparing to storm Syria's Aleppo after clearing civilians out of the city under the guise of a humanitarian operation.

U.S. officials and Syrian rebel groups have suggested Russia's and Syria's creation on July 28 of so-called "safe corridors" where they have invited an estimated 250,000 civilians trapped amidst fighting to evacuate may be part of a plan to depopulate the city so that the Syrian army, which has surrounded and besieged the city, can seize it.

"I categorically deny the allegation that some storm is being prepared," Ryabkov told Interfax late on July 29.

"Our American partners, due to their own stagnancy and suspiciousness toward Russia, are beginning to attribute some nonexistent designs to us. We cannot accept that things should be formulated this way. We are pursuing the ends that have been declared - not more but not less," he said.

Some U.S. officials have agreed with assertions by Syrian rebel groups that the so-called safe zones, which Aleppo's besieged civilians so far have largely avoided, will not be used to provide humanitarian aid and a safe route out, but rather to cleanse the area so government forces can capture it.


Comment: Talk about mush for brains! Unless these so-called rebels are implying that the Syrians and Russians are just planning on mowing down civilians as they cross through the "alleged" humanitarian corridors (which is a flat-out lie), this does not even make sense. Even if the government planned on "capturing" Aleppo, that does not mean the safe route will not be used for humanitarian purposes. What are these people smoking?
Nearly 170 Civilians Left Aleppo Via Aid Corridors Since Thursday

"Since the beginning of the humanitarian operation from areas controlled by illegal armed groups through the crossing points left 169 civilians, 69 militants laid down their weapons, qualified medical aid was provided to 59 in need," Lt. Gen. Sergei Chvarkov, chief of the Russian center for Syrian reconciliation said.

They point out, moreover, that with momentum in the war on the side of Syria and Russia, capturing the biggest remaining rebel stronghold in Aleppo would provide them with a potentially decisive victory.


Comment: Yes, and people should be cheering. They are cheering. In Syria, at least, which is the only place that really matters, given that this is a war of 'rebels' and terrorists on the Syrian people.


"The world must not allow Russia to get away with disguising its assault on Aleppo with deceitful talk about humanitarian 'corridors'," said Bassma Kodmani, a member of the High Negotiations Committee, Syria's main opposition group.


Comment: Pass the sick bag...


"Be clear - these 'corridors' are not for getting aid in, but driving people out" so it can capture the city, he said.


Comment: Hilarious! This guy should start working for the State Department.


"Aleppo residents are calling the corridors that Russia is talking about 'death corridors'," which is why they have not taken up the invitation to use them, said Ahmad Ramadan from the opposition Syrian National Coalition.


Comment: Priceless! What's next, reports of mobile gas chambers? Civilians are using the corridors. But there's a reason not all of them are using them: the 'rebels' won't let them.


A U.S. official told Reuters that the Syrian regime may intend to arrest and punish people who attempt to use the corridors, claiming they are armed rebels or "terrorists" trying to escape the city.


Comment: More lies. You "U.S. officials" are sick, truly.


Moreover, "why would you evacuate a city that you wanted to send humanitarian aid to?" the official asked.


Comment: LOL! Think about it, "anonymous U.S. official". It's fairly simple. We know you can do it.


U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry suggested on July 29 that the Russian operation might be a "ruse," and if it is, that would destroy his ongoing efforts to negotiate a cease-fire and path towards Syrian peace with Russia in his last months in office.

But Ryabkov and other Russian officials insisted that they have no such dark intentions.

"There no reasons to doubt the purely humanitarian purpose" of the operation, Rybakov told Interfax. He charged that U.S. officials themselves are "playing some political game" rather than helping to end Aleppo's food shortages and humanitarian crisis.


Comment: Americans don't need reasons.


The United Nations, which has estimated that food will run out in the city within weeks, has also expressed reservations about the Russian operation, and insisted that the UN should be in control of any safe routes out the city.

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said Moscow is "ready for close and constructive cooperation" with the UN as well as the Red Cross and other organizations seeking to address the humanitarian crisis.