Syrian Army's Success Paves Way Toward the National Truce

The achievement of ceasefire in Syria was facilitated by the victories of the Syrian Army, the Russian head of the truce group in the Hama province said.

Russia has been playing a large role in the Syrian ceasefire by acting as a guarantor and mediator between opposing groups, the Russian head of the truce group in the Hama province said Thursday.

“A national truce emerged thanks to the fact that the Syrian Army was able to recover much territory from terrorists. This became possible thanks to Russia, which has exerted maximum effort by producing a very perspective project of national truce in Syria,” Lt.-Col. German Rudenko told RIA Novosti.

Russia and the United States reached an agreement on a ceasefire in Syria on February 22. The accord took effect on Saturday, generally holding across the country despite reported minor violations.

The cessation of hostilities does not apply to designated terrorist organizations operating in Syria, including Daesh and al-Nusra Front, a group affiliated with al-Qaeda. Both groups are banned in Russia.