Ahrar al-Sham terrorists say ceasefire reinforces Syrian government
The Saudi-backed Ahrar al-Sham terrorist group has rejected a US-Russia brokered ceasefire just hours before its implementation.
The truce deal, negotiated by US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, is set to enter into force on Monday, the first day of the Muslim holidays of Eid al-Adha (the Feast of Sacrifice).
The rejection was announced by a top-ranking member of the group via a video statement released on YouTube on Monday. The terrorist group claims that abiding by the truce would only "reinforce" the Syrian government and "increase the suffering" of civilians.
"The people cannot accept half-solutions," said the group's deputy leader Ali al-Omar in the video.
The group is a close affiliate of the Fateh al-Sham Front, formerly named the Nusra Front, and is mostly active in Syria’s northern regions. In May, the US blocked Russia’s bid at the UN to add Jaysh al-Islam and Ahrar al-Sham to the list of terrorist groups because of their ties to al-Qaeda and Daesh.
Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. Over the past few months, the Takfiri militants active in the Arab country have suffered major setbacks as the Syrian army has managed to liberate several areas.
According to United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura, more than 400,000 people have been killed in the conflict in Syria. The UN has stopped its official casualty count in Syria, citing its inability to verify the figures it receives from various sources.
Israel launches air strikes on Syria-Lebanon border crossing
US vetoing of Gaza ceasefire resolution ‘disgraceful’: Iran’s UN envoy
Syria condemns Israel's killing of 36 in 'horrific' strike on Palmyra
Lindsey Graham threatens to sanction US allies backing ICC arrest warrants
VIDEO | Tens of thousands of Catalans protest to demand access to better housing
Israel launches air strikes on Syria-Lebanon border crossing
Russia: Comprehensive deal with Iran will include defense, security ties
VIDEO | Israeli embassy shooting in Jordan leaves gunman dead, 3 police injured
VIDEO | Paris march in support of Palestine women
VIDEO | ICC issues arrest warrants for Israeli prime minister, ousted regime war minister
120 Palestinians perish as Israeli war machine keeps ravaging Gaza
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
