"As seen in numerous reports it appears as though the cessation of hostilities is largely holding. We applaud the cessation of hostilities between all parties which had been engaged in military or para-military hostilities in Syria," Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve’s press service told RIA Novosti.
On February 22, Russia and the United States reached an agreement on the ceasefire in Syria. According to the Moscow and Washington’s joint statement, the ceasefire was to take effect on February 27 and excluded the terrorist groups Islamic State (IS) and the Nusra Front (both outlawed in Russia).
The Syrian government has confirmed its readiness to halt its military actions in accordance with the Russia-US agreement. Some opposition forces have been skeptical about the ceasefire, but in general have agreed to adhere to it. According to Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov, the conflicting Syrian sides that are ready to abide by the ceasefire have contacted the Russian coordination center for reconciliation in Syria's Latakia province over 10 times during the first day it has been in operation.
The UN Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2268 endorsing the Russia-US agreement on the cessation of hostilities in Syria on Friday, shortly before the ceasefire came into force. The cessation of hostilities does not apply to designated terrorist organizations operating in Syria, including Islamic State (IS) and the Nusra Front, a group affiliated with al-Qaeda.
