A ceasefire has been implemented in the last 14 hours that applies to all of southern Syria including the provinces of Daraa, Quneitra and As-Suwydah. The ceasefire reportedly went into effect at 12:00 A.M. last night and its preliminary period of observation is expected to last until 12:00 A.M. on July 6.
The ceasefire comes to back up an ongoing diplomatic mission initiated by the Syrian government – and arbitrated by Russia – with local councils in rebel-held territory to limit violence throughout southern Syria and create the stable conditions needed for an ultimate reconciliation. Whether the recent Syria peace talks between Russia, Iran and Turkey have anything to do with this latest development is not confirmed.
Although welcoming the reprieve that the ceasefire will bring for its forces and to civilians who live in or close to the various combat zones throughout southern Syria, the Syrian Arab Army (SAA) has announced that it will not tolerate violations of the agreement, vowing to immediately respond to hostile action conducted by rebel factions during the observation period.
