Syrian militants release online statement on readiness for Aleppo peace talks

Syrian militants from groups Jabhat Ansar al-Din and Sham Legion have posted a statement on their social media accounts saying they are ready to take part in peace talks aimed at the cessation of hostilities in Aleppo in order to “spare [the] lives of thousands of Muslims”. The groups noted though that certain guarantees should be provided by Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the UN. The statement comes amid media reports that a Russian naval group has arrived on Syria’s shores and is planning to launch massive airstrikes against terrorists on the outskirts of Aleppo and Idlib.