DHAKA: The last doctors in the rebel-held east of the Syrian city of Aleppo have urged US President Barack Obama to come to the aid of the 250,000 civilians there.

A letter signed by 29 physicians warns that if attacks on medical facilities continue at their present rate, there could be none left within a month.

It calls on Obama to impose a no-fly zone over Aleppo to stop air strikes, reports the BBC.

Russia has meanwhile said its forces will hold fire for three hours each day from Thursday to let aid into Aleppo.

All military action, air and artillery strikes would be halted between 10:00 (07:00 GMT) and 13:00 (10:00 GMT), a defense ministry official told a briefing in Moscow.

However, the United Nations immediately said three hours would be insufficient to help the millions in need and appealed for 48-hour pauses.

Fighting has escalated in recent days, with rebels severing the government's main route to the west of the city.

The offensive sought to break a siege by pro-government forces, who encircled the east in July with the support of Russian aircraft.

BDST: 1204 HRS, AUG 11, 2016
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