iStock/Thinkstock(ALEPPO, Syria) — Syrian families are leaving eastern sections of Aleppo, according to Syrian state media.
Civilians are exiting out of the rebel-held eastern Aleppo through “humanitarian corridors” where they board buses to be taken to “temporary shelters,” state media reports.
Basma Kodmani of the opposition High Negotiations Committee said according to BBC that the passages, set up by Russian and Syrian forces, are “not for getting aid in, but driving people out.”
“The brutal message to our people is: leave or starve,” Kodmani said.
According to the United Nations, 300,000 people are trapped in eastern Aleppo and food supplies could run out in a few weeks.
The U.N. has cautiously supported the humanitarian corridors. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said there was concern whether Russia was prepared for the plan.
A Russian army spokesman said according to BBC that 85 civilians and 29 fighters left through the corridors Friday and 52 civilians and 24 fighters were able to exit Saturday.
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