U.S. officials say that Moscow and Washington have managed to persuade both government forces and moderate opposition in Syria to agree to a ceasefire in the city of Aleppo. However, reports indicate that despite this ceasefire, sporadic clashes have occurred in the city. According to Reuters, the Syrian army and opposition announced their agreement to the ceasefire at 12 a.m. on Wednesday, Damascus time. Previously, following a new wave of clashes, government forces and opposition had agreed on a ceasefire in Eastern Ghouta near Damascus and Latakia, but their agreement did not include Aleppo. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the U.S. State Department announced that Washington and Moscow had reached an agreement to expand the ceasefire in Syria, including the city of Aleppo. Mark Toner, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, stated on Wednesday that overall, it can be said that since the ceasefire began at midnight on Wednesday, the level of violence and clashes has decreased, but clashes continue in some areas. The spokesperson emphasized that it is vital for Russia to intensify its efforts to compel the Syrian government to fully comply with the ceasefire. Mark Toner added that the U.S. would also intensify its efforts to compel the opposition to fully adhere to the ceasefire. Reports from Syrian state media and opposition indicate that three people were killed in rocket attacks on government-controlled areas in Aleppo on Wednesday. Nevertheless, Mark Toner stated that Washington and Moscow would closely monitor the ceasefire in Aleppo. He emphasized that attacks on Syrian civilians are unjustifiable under any circumstances and must cease immediately. According to Reuters, Aleppo, once Syria's largest city, has seen an escalation of clashes between government forces and opposition over the past two weeks, with at least 300 people reported killed in the recent fighting. In this new wave of clashes in Aleppo, hospitals, aid centers, and protected facilities have been attacked. Meanwhile, Syrian state television announced on Wednesday night that it would commit to a 48-hour ceasefire in Aleppo. The United Nations Security Council is also set to review the violence and clashes in Aleppo on Wednesday.
The U.S. Announces Expansion of Ceasefire Agreement to Aleppo
The U.S. and Russia have brokered a ceasefire agreement in Aleppo, Syria, amidst ongoing violence. Despite the ceasefire, sporadic clashes continue, and both sides are urged to comply fully. This situation is critical as it reflects the broader dynamics of the Syrian conflict and international diplomatic efforts.
👥 Key Players
📰 What Happened
The U.S. and Russia have successfully negotiated a ceasefire in Aleppo, Syria, although sporadic clashes continue despite the agreement. Both sides are being urged to adhere to the ceasefire to reduce violence in the city.
- The ceasefire was announced to begin at midnight on Wednesday, Damascus time.
- Aleppo has seen significant violence recently, with at least 300 reported deaths in the last two weeks.
💡 Why It Matters
📚 Background
The Syrian conflict has been ongoing since 2011, involving multiple factions and foreign powers, leading to a humanitarian crisis and geopolitical tensions.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
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