UN resumes Syria aid supplies after convoy attack

The United Nations has begun aid convoys to besieged areas near Damascus after a 48-suspension following an attack on relief trucks near Aleppo.

The "clearly marked" UN convoy will cross conflict lines after security was reviewed following an attack on Syrian Arab Red Crescent aid trucks on Tuesday that killed 20 civilians and a staff member.

US officials believe Russian aircraft were responsible for the strike but Moscow denied involvement.

Jens Laerke, spokesman of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, confirmed that the aid would resume, but that the exact locations would be confirmed only when it had arrived.

The move came after Syrian President Basar al-Assad denied claims that he prevented supplies coming into Aleppo.

Speaking to AP, Assad said: "[Rebel forces] have been shelling the neighbouring areas and the positions of the Syrian Army for years.

"How could they be starving while at the same time they can have armaments? How can we prevent the food and the medical aid from reaching that area and we cannot stop the armaments form reaching that area?"

Medical supplies are due to be sent to the rebel-held suburb of Moadamiya in the capital, Elizabeth Hoff, of the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

It is hoped that supplies will soon be sent to Aleppo and other parts of Syria in the near future, she added.