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West arms militants in Syria despite peace efforts

Friday, 26 February 2016 7:33 AM [ Last Update: Friday, 26 February 2016 7:32 AM ]

This file photo taken on February 16, 2016 shows new recruits take part in a shooting training session at a camp in a terrorist-held area of the northern Syrian city of Aleppo. ©AFP

A draft deal reached between Russia and the US has called for a ceasefire to start in Syria in late February and would exclude two major Takfiri militant groups in Syria, namely Daesh and Nusra Front.

US Secretary of state John Kerry says the sides were closer to a ceasefire than ever before.

“We have reached a provisional agreement in principle on the terms of a cessation of hostilities that could begin in the coming days,” Kerry said during a visit to the Jordanian capital of Amman, adding, “The modalities for a cessation of hostilities are now being completed. In fact, we are closer to a ceasefire today than we have been.”

Syria is grappling with a deadly militancy with government forces and allies, backed by Russia’s air cover, continuing to battle terrorist groups across the Arab country.

Forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad have managed over the past few weeks to recapture major positions from Daesh and Nusra front in the north. Assad said on Saturday that he was ready for a ceasefire in case the terrorists did not use it to advance their goals.

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