Putin Announces New Cease-Fire Deal Between Syrian Government And Rebels

On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a cease-fire deal between rebel forces and the followers of President Bashar Assad.

“Reports have just arrived that several hours ago there was a development that we all have looked and worked for for so long,” Putin said at a meeting with Russian foreign and defense ministers. “Three documents have been signed. A cease-fire between the Syrian government and the armed opposition is one. A package of measures to control the cease-fire is another. And a declaration of readiness to enter into peace talks on a settlement in Syria is the third.”

According to the reports, both Russia and Turkey will guarantee the truce, which will begin at midnight. However, the truce excludes terrorist groups, like ISIS.

Some terror groups are to be excluded from the cease-fire, though, aside from ISIS, it’s unclear which — if any — that refers to. The head of rebel group Fastaqim told Reuters the truce only excluded ISIS. The Syrian army earlier said the agreement would exclude ISIS, the group formerly known as the Nusra Front and any group linked to it.

 

Ahmad Ramadan of the Syrian National Coalition said the truce reached Thursday includes a halt to airstrikes and shelling.

 

Ramadan said in text messages sent to The Associated Press that members of the Free Syrian Army, a loose alliance of several moderate rebel factions, will abide by the truce — but retaliate to violations by government and allied forces.

Assad’s government and the rebels are expected to engage in peace talks. We’ll update you as this story unfolds.