Russia's Syrian 'Safe Zone' Plan Has Begun

The 4 safe zones in Syria. RT

Reuters: Syria fighting eases as Russian deal takes effect

Fighting between Syrian rebel and government forces eased on Saturday as a Russian-led effort to shore up a ceasefire took effect, although battles continued on an important frontline near Hama, a rebel commander and war monitor said.

The deal to create "de-escalation" zones in the major areas of conflict in western Syria took effect at midnight. The initiative was proposed by Russia, President Bashar al-Assad's most powerful ally, with the support of Turkey, which backs the opposition. Iran, Assad's other major ally, also backed it.

Political and armed opposition groups have rejected the proposal, saying Russia has been unwilling or unable to get Assad and his Iranian-backed militia allies to respect past ceasefires. The Syrian government said it backed the proposal but said it would continue to fight what it called terrorist groups across the country.

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WNU Editor: The U.S. reaction to this deal has been dismissive .... US dismisses Russia’s ban on military aircraft over Syria safe zones (FOX News). As for the Syrian rebel groups .... outright hostility .... Syrian Rebels Condemn Safe Zones as ‘Illegitimate’ (Antiwar).

More News On Russia's Syrian 'Safe Zone' Plan Now Being Implemented

Relative calm in Syrian safe zones after deal implemented -- AP
Syria fighting eases as safe zones plan begins -- AFP
Syria safe zones: Fighting 'eases' as plan takes effect -- BBC
Syrian war: Clashes break out in Syria, despite Russia- led deal on de-escalation zones -- ABC News Online
Syria safe zones hit by clashes on first day -- The Guardian
Syria safe zones: Fighting 'eases' as plan takes effect -- BBC
Russia says Syria safe zones will go into effect -- DW
Russia: Syrian safe zones plan comes into effect -- Al Jazeera
Russia, Iran, Turkey Set up Syria De-Escalation Zones for at Least Six Months: Memorandum -- Reuters
Safe zones in Syria come into force: Here’s what we know about them -- RT
Syria's 'de-escalation zones' explained -- Al Jazeera
A Russian-backed plan will create ‘safe zones’ in Syria. What does that mean for the war? -- Andrew Roth and Kareem Fahim, Washington Post