Syrian military says it will reduce airstrikes in Aleppo

Amid condemnation from around the world, the Syrian army said Wednesday it will let up on its intense airstrikes and shelling in rebel-held eastern Aleppo.

In mid-September, following the collapse of a ceasefire, the military launched a new offensive against the rebels, strengthened by Russian jets and Shi'ite militias from Iraq and Lebanon. Monitoring groups say hundreds of civilians have been killed since Sept. 19, and a humanitarian crisis is underway, with food, fuel, and medicine in scarce supply. Repeated airstrikes have also destroyed hospitals, something the U.N.'s rights chief said on Tuesday may amount to a war crime.

A military source told Reuters the army's general command made its decision to reduce airstrikes after cutting off all entry roads rebels use to get into Aleppo, adding that they want to let people leave for safer areas.

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