The Russian military had said that the Syrian army withdrew its armour, artillery and other weapons from a key highway near Aleppo early Thursday, signalling the possible arrival of aid convoys after several days of delay. Syrian state TV said bulldozers began clearing the road on the northwestern edge of Aleppo that leads into besieged rebel-held neighbourhoods to make way for the convoys. In a further sign of tensions picking up, the Obama administration warned Russia that potential military co-operation in Syria will not happen unless humanitarian aid begins to flow into Aleppo and other besieged communities. The Russian military also claimed that the Syrian opposition has used the truce to regroup and strengthen its forces. The truce has been holding despite some violations, with the Syrian opposition on Thursday reporting 46 ceasefire violations around the country.

Source: thestar September 16, 2016 18:11 UTC