Russian claims of suspended combat operations in Aleppo disputed by residents

Russia claims the Syrian army has suspended combat operations in Aleppo to allow for the evacuation of civilians from besieged rebel-held neighbourhoods - but residents and fighters are reporting no let-up in the bombing and shelling campaign.

Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov, speaking in Germany after talks with US Secretary of State John Kerry, said military experts and diplomats would meet in Geneva on Saturday to work out details of the rebels' exit from Aleppo's eastern neighbourhoods, along with civilians who were willing to leave the city.