Russian, US militaries work out joint approach for Syria truce

Russian and US militaries have managed to find an "effective mechanism" to maintain the cessation of hostilities in Syria, the head of the Russian Centre for Reconciliation at Khmeimim airbase said, adding that the level of violence in the country has dropped significantly since February.

"The American side is working with opposition groups and has been able to convince them that the 'regime of silence' should be observed," Lt. General Sergey Kuralenko was quoted by RT news as saying.

He stressed that no shelling has been recorded in the area of the eastern Ghouta, Rif Dimashqin province in southwestern Syria, in the recent days. "These tasks are fulfilled by both American side and (Syrian) government forces," he added.

According to Kuralenko, the situation in Syria was stabilizing, however, tensions are being still observed in northern Latakia and Aleppo, as well as in several areas in the Damascus Province.

Aleppo, one of Syria's largest cities, remains a hotspot, with various parts of the city held by different groups.

On Tuesday, a hospital in Aleppo was attacked by a rocket, killing at least three people and injuring more than a dozen, Sana news said, adding that women and children were among the casualties.

The facility was under the control of government forces, and was targeted by a radical rebel group.

Following the attack, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution on the protection of civilians in armed conflicts following the deadly attack on an Aleppo hospital. The document demands protection of hospitals in war zones.

"Such attacks must end," UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said prior to the vote.

--IANS

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