Russia brings forward “humanitarian pause” for Aleppo

Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Tuesday that Russian and Syrian air forces had stopped air strikes on Aleppo from 1000 local time (0700 GMT), two days ahead of the announced eight-hour "humanitarian pause" scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 20. The initial eight hours originally announced was criticized as inadequate for the purpose of allowing civilians to leave the city and the delivery of essential humanitarian supplies. Gen. Sergei Rudskov countered that the cessation of Russian and Syrian aerial activity was unilateral. A longer pause required more than one party.