The United States on Saturday demanded that the Syrian government stop bombardment of Aleppo and help restore a nationwide ceasefire. The US and Russia have worked out a deal to stop violence in two areas in Syria -- the Latakia and Eastern Ghouta regions but Aleppo is excluded from the deal.

US Secretary of state John Kerry emphasized the US stance that Aleppo cannot be excluded from the ceasefire, nor can civilians be targeted. Kerry dismissed Russia's claim that the Aleppo strikes are targeting the Al-Nusra Front, a jihadist force that is not party to the ceasefire.