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Russia extends Aleppo's ceasefire for another 24 hours

MOSCOW, Oct 21 (KUNA) -- Russian Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu on Friday announced extension of the ceasefire in the Syrian city of Aleppo for 24 hours.
Russian president Vladimir Putin has decided to extend the truce for 24 hours in coordination with the Syrian regime, which approved the move, Shoygu said in a statement to the press.
Meanwhile, Sergei Rudskoy, head of the Russian general staff's main operations command, said Putin approved requests by the UN and other international organizations to extend the ceasefire.
Rudskoy, at a news conference, accused gunmen from Al-Nusra Front and affiliate groups of using the truce to mobilize forces. He added that 1,200 gunmen gathered in Aleppo to launch an attack on the east of the city.
There were, he said, more than 30 suicide attackers amongst those gunmen who also possessed tanks, heavy artillery, armored vehicles and mobile anti-aircraft missiles.
Rudskoy said the gunmen were receiving supplies and weapons but did not say who was sending them.
Putin announced a 24-hour ceasefire in Aleppo yesterday to allow civilians and gunmen to leave the city. (end) as.bs