Russian media sources have published a map showing the minuscule areas that will be covered during the ‘cessation of hostilities’ in Syria set to begin Saturday.
“Initially I was very doubtful that Russia and the U.S. could impose a ceasefire on the entire territory of Syria,” said Yury Barmin, an expert on Russia’s Middle East policy, to the Daily Caller News Foundation, “these areas also benefit Assad immensely because this is exactly where rebels have recently made territorial gains.”
Russian media publish the map of the ceasefire in Syria. Only 6 tiny areas (yellow) are covered by the agreement pic.twitter.com/ze164Pbhz4
— Yury Barmin (@yurybarmin) February 26, 2016
According to the map, what appears to be only six small concentrated combat zones, mostly near towns, will be included. In the northern portion of the country, the ceasefire applies to two areas south of the city of Idlib and west of the coastal city of Latakia. An area to the north of Homs and another south of the capital of Damascus will also be included. Along the southern border, two areas surrounding Daraa will also see cessation.
Each of the areas has been a flash point of conflict between the various groups fighting for control of Syria. It is unclear whether or not strikes against terrorist elements will be included in the areas outlined. The Monday agreement setting up the cessation of hostilities technically allows for strikes against terrorist elements such as the Islamic State and the Nusra Front to continue after Saturday.
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