By Halit Suleyman
IDLIB, Syria (AA) – The Syrian regime Monday announced the start of the U.S.-Russia-brokered cease-fire across the country, the official news agency said.
The Syrian Arab News Agency said the truce would run from 7.00 p.m. local time (1600GMT) Monday to 11.59 p.m. local time (2059GMT) on Sept. 18.
According to a statement from the General Command of the Army and Armed Forces, the seven-day truce applied across Syria but the army retained the right to “respond decisively using all types of firepower to any breach by armed groups.”
A civil defense official reported a potential breach of the cease-fire, although it was unclear exactly when the attack occurred.
Mohammed Maznuk said regime aircraft struck Maarat Misriun to the north of Idlib city, killing at least 10 people. He told Anadolu Agency 17 people were injured in the attack.
The cease-fire is aimed at introduced humanitarian aid to besieged parts of the country. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry dubbed the deal a “turning point” and said it could mark a move “towards a negotiated peace and a political transition in Syria”.
It applies to all armed groups in Syria apart from Daesh and the Nusra Front, which recently changed its name to Jabhat Fateh al-Sham.
