Syria truce extended

21.10.2016
Syria

Russia pledges to extend the humanitarian pause in Aleppo. The decision was supported by the Syrian leadership.

Unilateral step

Officially the truce took effect on Thursday, October 20th, but Russia and Syria stopped air strikes on October 19th at 10:00. This unilateral move of good will, in the words of European leaders "was seen", but none used this opportunity.

The Russian leadership also noted this fact. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said:"Everyone, who wants stabilization should make real steps, rather than engage in political demagoguery". But there were no volunteers.

Fear and Loathing in the UN

Despite the fact that the ceasefire will last for almost two days, the UN has not started the humanitarian operation. Earlier, a representative of the organization said that they need security guarantees, which are obviously impossible in the conflict zone, even during the truce.

Russia and Syria have started to evacuate the injured through humanitarian corridors in the evening of October 19th, a few hours before the official ceasefire.

Militants are also using their corridors to exit.

Nevertheless, the United Nations announced the start of evacuations which may be held today.

Violations

Terrorists have violated the ceasefire regime several times. For example, militants shelled a humanitarian corridor set up to allow civilians to escape from eastern Aleppo.

In addition, some sources in Syria reported that militants were trying to prevent civilians from leaving the city. There were other violations of the ceasefire.

However, all six humanitarian corridors for civilians and two for the militants are being successfully used.

Related links
Syrian truce left in tatters
The Syrian ceasefire is doomed to fail
A Whole Year since the Russian Intervention in Syria
Syria, in the heart of the world
The Betrayal of Syria - The US, France and Britain’s UN Ambassadors at the United Nations
Syria truce
Battle for Aleppo
Russian Air Forces
UN
humanitarian mission
ceasefire
civil war