Syria Ceasefire into Effect

Local Editor

The US-Russian truce deal on "cessation of hostilities" in Syria came into effect at midnight Damascus time. Yet the ceasefire does not apply to "ISIS", al-Nusra, or other terrorist organizations.

Earlier on Friday, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution urging all parties involved in the Syrian war to adhere to the terms of the US-Russian deal.

The US-Russia brokered ceasefire was first announced on February 22 by Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Barack Obama.

Under the "Terms for a Cessation of Hostilities in Syria," the participants of the agreement are obligated to "cease attacks with any weapons, including rockets, mortars, and anti-tank guided missiles" and "refrain from acquiring or seeking to acquire territory from other parties to the ceasefire."

In addition, they must allow "unhindered and sustained" access to humanitarian assistance missions and employ only "proportional force" in self-defense against those not party to the agreement.

Meanwhile, the truce will be monitored by a task force co-chaired by Moscow and Washington, exchanging up-to-date maps that indicate which sides have agreed to the ceasefire, and where they are located.

Damascus, which supported the ceasefire, said it will not tolerate terrorists exploiting it in order to restore their positions or receive support from abroad.

The UN stated that in the case that the truce is broken by an attack, a response employing force must not only be proportional, but also used only as a last resort.

Relatively, UN Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura said there had been several incidents reported in Damascus and Dara'a in the first few minutes of the ceasefire, but that things quickly de-escalated.

Following the UNSC meeting, Mistura told reporters that ceasefire operation centers will be used to collect and analyze information on any ceasefire violations, and then share them with the US and Russia.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team