Syrian army declares truce around Damascus, parts of Idlib province

The Syrian army declared a ceasefire in several areas around Damascus and the northwestern province of Idlib beginning on Friday evening.

The Syrian army declared a ceasefire in several areas around Damascus and the northwestern province of Idlib beginning on Friday evening, but did not say how long the pause in fighting would last.

A general view shows damaged buildings in the Qastal al-Harami neighborhood of Aleppo's Old City on December 9, 2016. (AFP Photo)

There was no immediate comment from rebels on the truce.

The areas affected included the government-besieged town of Madaya near Damascus and Kefraya and al-Foua in Idlib, which are surrounded by insurgents.