Syrian troops have reportedly held their fire soon after the UN-backed truce took effect at 6:00 am on April 12. Despite the ceasefire, one person in Hama and an army officer in Aleppo were reportedly killed. However, major hostilities and heavy shellings were reportedly completely halted. The opposition Syrian National Council (SNC) who urged Syrians to demonstrate against president Assad, said that the overall situation in the country was quieter. Government spokesman Jihad Makdissi said that Damascus is fully committed to Annan’s success and that there is no reason to break the ceasefire since there has been no attack on the troops. Although promising, people on both sides are wary as there is a general belief that this ceasefire is only temporary.
We continue to advise against visiting Syria in the immediate term as the situation remains volatile and a renewed outbreak of violence at any time should not be ruled out. Read More>>
