Aleppo bombing

Syria war: Russia halts Aleppo bombing for humanitarian pause

Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said the bombing had been halted early on Tuesday.

Russia had already announced an eight-hour pause between 08:00 (05:00 GMT) and 16:00 on Thursday.

Mr Shoigu urged rebels and civilians in the besieged eastern area of the city to use humanitarian corridors to leave.

Russian warplanes pounded the rebel-held areas of Aleppo shortly before announcing Tuesday's suspension, activists say.

Syria conflict: Aleppo bombing shuts largest hospital

The Syrian American Medical Society, which supports the hospital, said it had been struck by barrel bombs.

There are also reports of Russian-backed Syrian government forces hitting Aleppo's historic Old City.

Clashes between government troops and rebels are occurring in several areas.

Russian and Syrian air forces resumed attacks on the rebel-held east of the city after a partial truce lapsed on 19 September. Government forces have also launched a ground offensive against the rebels.