Syria ceasefire appears to be holding – reports

A ceasefire the United Nations has described as the best hope for peace in five years of civil war in Syria appears to be holding.

Russian air strikes have stopped for now and guns have reportedly fallen mostly silent.

Rebels reported “occasional government violations” to the truce, which one commander warned could end in the collapse of the agreement brokered between the US and Russia.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and many of his opponents agreed to the deal and now the aim is to allow aid through to civilians, 11 million of whom are homeless as a result of the fighting.

It is also hoped the cessation of hostilities will enable the resumption of stalled peace talks.

Russia to continue strikes on Islamist militants
Russia, an ally of Assad, said it would stop all flights over Syria for the first day of the truce to ensure no wrong targets were mistakenly hit.

Following that, Moscow said it would continue air raids on areas that are not covered by the ceasefire agreement and are controlled by Islamist militants.

SOURCE: euronews