Unverified, graphic images from a village near Manbij, northern Syria, have been posted on social media.
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“But while Washington and Moscow have both expressed hope they can find a way to cooperate against IS, Kerry’s proposal was already in trouble due to the competing objectives of the Cold War-era foes as well as resistance from United States military and intelligence officials.U.S. officials questioned Russian and Syrian claims that their aim in evacuating civilians from Aleppo was to clear the way for humanitarian assistance to reach the besieged city, where 200,000-300,000 civilians remain with only two to three weeks of food on hand”. He said the decision was taken to “first and foremost to ensure the safety of Aleppo residents”.
But the move has been treated cautiously by much of the global community. UN’s Under Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, Stephen O’Brien, also said that he was not sure if the move would be in the best interests of those in need.
“Without further clarification, this appears to be a demand for the surrender of opposition groups and the evacuation of Syrian civilians from Aleppo”, State Department spokesman John Kirby said. “What needs to happen is the innocent people of Aleppo should be able to stay in their homes, safely, and to receive the humanitarian access which Russian Federation and the regime have agreed – in principle have agreed, certainly according to the UN Security Council resolution – to provide”.
The International Committee of the Red Cross says efforts to create humanitarian corridors in Aleppo must ensure everyone is protected and supported, regardless of whether they leave or stay.
Robert Mardini, ICRC’s Regional Director in the Near and Middle East, said in a statement “What we need urgently is a humanitarian pause in all areas of Aleppo affected by the violence”.
Kirby said he wasn’t aware of any consultation with the Washington on the operation.
Shoigu complained that the military had received no information from the United States on Nusra Front and Free Syrian Army locations in Aleppo and would therefore open a fourth corridor for militants in the north of the city and near the Castello road.
Instead, Mr De Mistura has once again urged Russian Federation to work with the United States during scheduled talks in Geneva to reduce the fighting in Syria.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said on the same day, he would offer Amnesty to rebels who are willing to give up their weapons and surrender to authorities in the next three months.
The offer came in a decree issued on Thursday, the state-run Sana news agency reported.
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There have been several presidential amnesty offers in recent years.
