‘Isolated’ clashes in Syria as ceasefire comes into effect overnight

A nationwide ceasefire in conflict-torn Syria came into effect late last night, having been brokered by both Russia and Turkey.

While the Syrian government forces and several rebel factions agreed to lay down their arms, Islamic State and ex-Nusra Front militants are not part of the deal struck by the three countries. A number of Rebel officials, however, have agreed to the ceasefire as peace talks loom. While two previous ceasefires fell apart in 2016, the latest cessation does not include either the United States or the United Nations. The BBC reports that the ceasefire held in place overnight despite some isolated clashes in the northern province of Hama, and peace talks will begin in Kazakhstan within a month if hostilities hold off. The conflict in Syria began with the uprising against President Bashar al-Assad in March 2011 and is believed to have caused the deaths of at least 300,000 people. Up to four million Syrians have since fled to neighbouring countries or Europe.