INSURGENTS in the east of the Syrian city of Aleppo have mined humanitarian corridors to stop civilians escaping, Russia’s Defence Ministry said yesterday.

Russian Defence Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov said: “Militants are blocking any attempts by the population to leave the city through the especially set-up corridors.

“Mines have been planted in all streets adjacent to them,” he said. “Government forces see civilians trying to approach the humanitarian corridors killed by landmines every day.”

The Syrian government has provided several escape routes for the estimated 40,000-60,000 civilians left in Aleppo’s eastern districts and offered an amnesty to rebels there.

But the militants have refused those offers and fired on aid convoys trying to enter the ruined east.

Gen Konashenkov confirmed reports — backed by video evidence — of an uprising against the insurgent factions by desperate civilians demanding food, saying there had been 11 protests since last week.

“Yesterday, gunfire was opened on an impromptu rally in the districts of al-Amriya and al-Fardous, killing 27 people and injuring hundreds,” he said.

“There was an attempt by local citizens to seize a ration depot.

“All the rallies of civilians were ruthlessly stamped out by the militants.”