GENEVA: The UN’s Syria envoy made an appeal to save eastern Aleppo, warning that the rebel-held city could be destroyed by year’s end if the brutal offense by Russia supported government troops persists. Urging Islamist fighters to leave so that civilians can get aid, Staffan de Mistura said “In maximum two months, two and half months the city of eastern Aleppo may be totally destroyed.” The rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo has been hammered by the Russian-backed government, including multiple attacks on hospitals. De Mistura noted that the presence of Al-Nusra fighters in the city is being used as a justification by Moscow and Damascus for the continued assault. The former Al-Nusra Front has recently changed its name to Fateh al-Sham Front following a break with Al-Qaeda, but many believe that the two groups are tied.