US-Russian ceasefire goes into effect in southern Syria

A rebel fighter walks past damaged buildings in a rebel-held part of the southern city of Daraa, Syria June 22, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]

DAMASCUS -- The ceasefire agreement reached between the United States and Russia went into effect on Sunday in southern Syria, local media reported.

The ceasefire covers the provinces of Sweida, Daraa, and Qunaitera, according to the media.

On Friday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said the United States and Russia had reached ceasefire agreement to quell fighting in southwest Syria.

He said the agreement, if it holds, may be a blueprint for other parts of the country. "This area in the south is our first show of success. We hope we can replicate that elsewhere," he said.

The ceasefire is part of the de-escalation zones' deal, which went into force last May in four Syrian areas including the southern part of Syria, where battles flared up again, prompting the United States and Russia to agree to a ceasefire.