A temporary truce in the Syrian city of Aleppo has been extended from midnight local time on May 7 for 72 hours. Russia's Defense Ministry said it was extended to prevent the violent situation from worsening.

The truce was due to end early Saturday, after giving residents some respite from the two weeks of fighting that killed more than 280 civilians. The bid to stop the fighting in Aleppo is part of international efforts to revive peace talks, and bring to an end of the five-year war.