Syrian army declares cessation of operations east of Damascus

The Syrian military has announced the cessation of hostilities between foreign-sponsored terrorist groups and government forces in parts of Eastern Ghouta near the capital Damascus, after reaching an agreement with the militants on the boundaries for a de-escalation zone there.

The Syrian military has announced the cessation of hostilities between foreign-sponsored terrorist groups and government forces in parts of Eastern Ghouta near the capital Damascus, after reaching an agreement with the militants on the boundaries for a de-escalation zone there.

The General Command of the Syrian Army and Armed Forces said in a statement carried by state TV that all combat operations have stopped startingfrom Saturday 12 p.m. local time, but warned that army forces will retaliate against any attack by militants.

Earlier in the day, Russia’s Defense Ministry stated that an accord had been struck with anti-Damascus extremist groups on the boundaries for a de-escalation zone for Eastern Ghouta.

The ministry statement did not provide further details, but said the agreement includes the zone’s borders as well as routes for delivery of humanitarian aid and free movement of civilians.