Syria ceasefire backed by russia and turkey holds after initial clashes

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Syria Ceasefire Backed by Russia and Turkey Holds After Initial Clashes

A ceasefire agreement between the Syrian government and opposition groups, brokered by Russia and Turkey, has held after initial clashes, marking a significant step towards reducing violence in the war-torn country.

The ceasefire, which went into effect on December 30, 2020, aimed to halt fighting in several regions, including the northwestern province of Idlib, where a humanitarian crisis has been unfolding. The agreement was reached after intense negotiations between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Despite some initial clashes, the ceasefire has largely held, with both sides reporting a significant reduction in violence. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based monitoring group, reported that the number of attacks had decreased by 70% compared to the previous week.

The ceasefire is seen as a crucial step towards resolving the conflict in Syria, which has been ongoing since 2011. The agreement also paves the way for the delivery of humanitarian aid to affected areas, including Idlib, where over 3 million people are in dire need of assistance.

The Russian and Turkish governments have been key players in the conflict, with Russia backing the Syrian government and Turkey supporting the opposition. The ceasefire agreement reflects their efforts to find a political solution to the conflict, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced millions of people.

The success of the ceasefire will depend on the ability of both sides to maintain the agreement and address the underlying issues driving the conflict. The international community has welcomed the ceasefire, with the United Nations calling it a "positive step" towards reducing violence and promoting a political solution.

Overall, the ceasefire agreement between Russia and Turkey marks a significant development in the Syrian conflict, offering hope for a reduction in violence and a path towards a political solution.