Dozens of Rebels End Hostilities Near Damascus Amid Truce

A total of 80 Syrian opposition fighters have laid down arms in the Qadam neighborhood on the outskirts of the capital of Damascus within the framework of a local reconciliation program, a Syrian military source told RIA Novosti Tuesday.

BEIRUT (Sputnik) — Syria's local reconciliation program began in 2013. The program stipulates that former opposition fighters have the opportunity to resume peaceful life after surrendering their arms to the Syrian army while undergoing rehabilitation treatment. The program proved successful when, in 2013, some 1,500 opposition fighters laid down arms in Homs, thus enabling the Syrian army to regain control of the city center.

"A group of citizens, numbering 80 people in total, have returned to peaceful life within the local reconciliation program in Qadam. After laying down their arms, their rehabilitation was taken up by the relevant authorities," the source said.

Last week, Russia and the United States reached an agreement on a ceasefire in Syria. The ceasefire took effect on Saturday. The cessation of hostilities does not apply to groups designated by the United Nations to be terrorist organizations, such as Daesh and al-Nusra Front.

Another reconciliation center began work ahead of the ceasefire under Russian guidance, according to reports. Rebel leaders from some 50 communities have contacted the center since Saturday, expressing willingness to hold talks with Syrian government representatives.