Russian MoD Hopes US Will Influence Militants to Ensure Evacuation From Aleppo

Russia calls on the United States to put pressure on Syrian militants' leaders to ensure evacuation from Aleppo, the Russian General Staff said.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – On Monday, Russia announced the humanitarian pause in Aleppo from 08:00 [05:00 GMT] to 16:00 local time on October 20, halting its airstrikes so that civilians could escape the besieged eastern districts of the Aleppo and aid convoys could safely get through to those who remain there.

"We hope that the United States and other stakeholders will influence the leaders of armed groups and ensure evacuation of the sick and the wounded, as well as the exit of civilians and militants from the city [of Aleppo]," Lt. Gen. Sergei Rudskoy, chief of the Russian General Staff's Main Operational Directorate said Wednesday.

According to the official, Russia and Syria have fulfilled all of their commitments on the humanitarian operation in Aleppo.

The humanitarian pause in Syria’s Aleppo on October 20 will be extended for three more hours following a request from international organizations, Rudskoy said.

"Following numerous requests from representatives of international organizations a decision was taken to extend the humanitarian pause for three more hours until 19:00," Rudskoy said.