The Syrian military has declared a halt in fighting in parts of the rebel-held Eastern Ghouta region outside Damascus. The move came after Russia, an ally of the government, said it had reached an agreement with moderate rebels to de-escalate conflict in the area.
Eastern Ghouta is one of four proposed de-escalation zones in a deal agreed between Russia, Iran and Turkey in May.
In a statement, the Syrian army said a cessation of hostilities in areas of Eastern Ghouta came into effect on Saturday. It said, the army will retaliate in a suitable manner to any violation.