Russia's defence ministry and Syria's opposition agree to create a new de-escalation zone near Homs.
ADVERTISEMENTRussia’s defence ministry and Syria’s opposition have agreed to create a new de-escalation zone near Homs.
A ceasefire in the area came into affect at midday on Thursday (August 3) for all weapons.
The zone is part of a Russian-led initiative to stop fighting between government forces and the so-called moderate opposition.
Speaking before the start of the truce, Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Igor Konashenkov said the area of de-escalation “includes 84 settlements with a population of more than 147,000 people.”
Konashenkov said that Russian military police would set up checkpoints and observation posts along the the line of engagement dividing opposing sides.
The Russian police have been tasked with separating opposing sides, monitoring the ceasefire and making sure humanitarian aid gets to where it is needed.
Medical treatment will be made available to the sick and wounded at Syrian hospitals, or the Russian military hospital.
#Syria update: agreement on third de-escalation zone near Homs reached in Astana process. Vital step towards peace in Syria. pic.twitter.com/i00TbZ7bTj
— Alexander Yakovenko (@Amb_Yakovenko) August 3, 2017