Syrian opposition group breaks ceasefire

A Syrian opposition group fired at multiple targets in various places in the country, including capital city Damascus in the past 24 hours, breaking the ceasefire brokered by the US and Russia, a Russian reconciliation centre in Syria said on Tuesday.

The Jaysh al-Islam group fired at government troops near the villages of Djobar, Arbil, Haouch al-Farah and Duma, as well as the capital district of Harasta al-Basal, said Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu.

However, the ceasefire has been observed in most provinces of the country, Xinhua news agency cited the Russian Centre for Reconciliation of Opposing Sides in Syria as saying.

Syria has been mired in civil war since March 2011, with government forces loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad fighting many opposition factions and extremist groups, such as the Islamic State and al-Nusra Front.

A US and Russia brokered ceasefire came into force in Syria on February 27. It was supported by Damascus as well as by dozens of opposition groups.

--IANS

py/vt