MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Over recent months, Aleppo became major battleground in Syria, engaging government forces, terrorists and numerous opposition groups. Eastern Aleppo is currently encircled by government troops, and the fighting has affected thousands of civilians still trapped in the city.
Previous internationally mediated ceasefires have collapsed as militants continued attacks and opposition failed to expel al-Nusra Front, which is now known as Jabhat Fatah al Sham, from the city.
"As regards those who are in the eastern part of the city… whoever is there, but they are untied around the Jabhat al-Nusra [al-Nusra Front] terrorist organization. All these are militants and terrorists," Peskov said.
Intensification of Russian Aerospace Forces' Activities in Syria
When asked about the possibility of intensification of the Russian Aerospace Forces' activities in Syria, Peskov said that only the Defense Ministry and the president make decisions on tactics and strategy.
"In this case decisions on tactics are made in the Defense Ministry. Regarding strategy, they are made on the basis of information coming… from the Defense Ministry and other departments by the commander-in-chief, the president," Peskov said in response to a request to comment on calls to intensify the Russian armed forces' activities in Syria over the situation there.
