Number of Settlements Joining Syrian Ceasefire Increases to 978

The number of settlements that have joined the cessation of hostilities in war-torn Syria has increased to 978, the Russian military announced.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Settlements in Damascus and Latakia provinces joined the ceasefire in the last 24 hours, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday.

"Within the last 24 hours, truce agreements have been reached with representatives of two settlements in Damascus and Latakia provinces, bringing the total number of settlements that have joined the ceasefire to 978," the ministry said in a daily bulletin posted on its website.

According to the document, negotiations on joining ceasefire regime have continued with field commanders of armed opposition units operating in Homs, Hama, Quneitra, and Aleppo provinces.