Syria's army and key ally Russia Thursday announced a nationwide cease-fire to take effect at midnight, in a potential major breakthrough after nearly six years of civil war.
The deal was brokered by Russia and Turkey, which back opposing sides in the conflict, but does not involve Washington, which has negotiated previous cease-fires with Moscow.
The agreement, hailed by Syria's government as a "real opportunity" to find a political solution to the war, comes a week after the regime recaptured second city Aleppo in a major blow to rebel forces.