Syria: Ceasefire to be implemented in Idlib province January 12 /update 1

Event

Turkey and Russia announced that a ceasefire would take effect in Idlib province at 00:01 (local time) on Sunday, January 12. Russian and Syrian government troops recently launched a large-scale campaign against rebels in Idlib, forcing hundreds of thousands of civilians to flee toward the border with Turkey. According to the Turkish Defense Ministry, the ceasefire aims to prevent further migrant flows by halting air and land assaults by government forces.

Context

To date, the Syrian conflict involves many parties, including the Syrian government, the Russian government, the Iranian government, the Turkish government, a US-led coalition, and numerous armed groups on the ground (including the Islamic State) with competing goals.

Advice

Due to extremely poor security conditions, Western governments generally advise against all travel to Syria, with some banning travel to the country. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to any travel to Syria.