Syrian army declares cessation of hostilities east of capital
BEIRUT - The Syrian military declared a cessation of hostilities on Saturday in the rebel-controlled Eastern Ghouta region near the capital, state television reported.
Eastern Ghouta, stretching from eastern to northeastern suburbs of Damascus, has long been under opposition control in the six-year conflict, as rebels have lost ground in the west.
State television reported a "cessation of fighting activities in several areas of Eastern Ghouta."
It said the cessation began at 12:00 noon (0900 GMT) and any violation would receive an "appropriate response".
