7,000 Terrorists Put down Arms in Syria, Joining Ceasefire

“Joining to the ongoing ceasefire in Syria by more armed groups has an important role in stabilizing the situation in Syria, as it is a catalyzer in the negotiations in Geneva,” General Igor Konashenkov told journalists, Sputnik reported.

“These are not the final numbers since thanks to the hard and dangerous work by the representatives of the Syrian authorities the process of reconciliation is gaining momentum,” the Russian general said.

The ceasefire in Syria, worked out by Russia and the United States, took effect on February 27 with terrorist groups such as ISIL and al-Nusra Front not being part of the agreement.

Russia and the United States brokered a “silent” period last Thursday to be implemented for 24 hours in the Damascus’ suburbs and for 72 hours in the Northern Lattakia province, starting at midnight on April 30.

Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with government forces fighting numerous militant groups, including the Western-backed fighters, as well as terrorist organizations.