Russia announces aid operation for Syria's battered Aleppo

Syria ally Russia announced a "large-scale" aid operation Thursday for trapped civilians and opposition fighters fleeing the embattled northern city of Aleppo, as President Bashar al-Assad offered an amnesty to rebels who surrender. Pro-government forces effectively surround opposition neighbourhoods of the divided city, sparking fears for at least 200,000 people trapped there. Russian defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told reporters that three humanitarian corridors were being opened "to aid civil