Syrian civil war ceasefires

{{See also|Syrian peace process#Cessation of Hostilities, February 2016}}

Following talks in Munich, the world powers in the International Syria Support Group negotiated a ceasefire between the main parties to the war.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35556783|title=Syria war pause plan agreed by world powers|date=12 February 2016|access-date=20 September 2016|publisher=BBC|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160911172158/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35556783|archive-date=11 September 2016|url-status=live}} On 22 February 2016 the United States and Russia announced the Terms for a Cessation of Hostilities in Syria, pledging "that the cessation of hostilities will be monitored in an impartial and transparent manner and with broad media coverage."{{cite web|title=Joint Statement of the United States and the Russian Federation, as Co-Chairs of the ISSG, on Cessation of Hostilities in Syria|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2016/02/253115.htm|website=U.S. State Department|access-date=1 December 2016|df=dmy-all|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418104358/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2016/02/253115.htm|archive-date=18 April 2017|url-status=live}} On 26 February 2016, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2268 that demanded all parties to comply with the terms{{cite web|title=Joint Statement of the United States and the Russian Federation, as Co-Chairs of the ISSG, on Cessation of Hostilities in Syria|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2016/02/253115.htm|publisher=U.S. Department of State|date=22 February 2016|access-date=25 June 2017|df=dmy-all|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170418104358/https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2016/02/253115.htm|archive-date=18 April 2017|url-status=live}} of a U.S.-Russian deal on a "cessation of hostilities".{{cite news|work=BBC News|date=26 February 2016|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35674908|title=Temporary truce comes into effect|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180725190937/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35674908|archive-date=25 July 2018|url-status=live}} The cease-fire started on 27 February 2016 at 00:00 (Damascus time).{{cite news |work=Reuters |date=26 February 2016 |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-un-idUSKCN0VZ2WM |title=U.N. demands Syria parties halt fighting, peace talks set for March 7 |access-date=2 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170623192052/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-un-idUSKCN0VZ2WM |archive-date=23 June 2017 |url-status=live }} The ceasefire does not include attacks on UN-designated terrorist organizations such as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant and the al-Nusra Front.[https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2016/02/syria-russia-ceasefire/470421/ A Potential Cease-Fire in Syria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325025852/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2016/02/syria-russia-ceasefire/470421/ |date=25 March 2017 }}. The Atlantic. Published 22 February 2016. Retrieved 3 March 2016.[http://scroll.in/latest/804266/landmark-syria-ceasefire-begins-with-terrorist-groups-excluded Landmark Syria ceasefire begins, with terrorist groups excluded] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301234223/http://scroll.in/latest/804266/landmark-syria-ceasefire-begins-with-terrorist-groups-excluded |date=1 March 2016 }}. Scroll.in. Published 27 February 2016. Retrieved 3 March 2016. At the close of February 2016, despite individual clashes, the truce was reported to hold.{{cite news|work=BBC|date=29 February 2016|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35683931|title=Syria conflict: UN steps up aid deliveries as truce holds|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190516145418/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35683931|archive-date=16 May 2019|url-status=live}}

In early February 2016, the formal start of the UN-mediated Geneva Syria peace talks{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKCN0VA2OT |title=U.N. announces start of Syria peace talks as government troops advance |publisher=Reuters |access-date=2 February 2016 |date=1 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160201232558/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKCN0VA2OT |archive-date=1 February 2016 |url-status=live }} and the opposition's protestations{{cite web|url=http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/02/syrian-opposition-aleppo-assault-imperils-talks-160202133941656.html|title=Syrian offensive blamed for putting peace talks at risk|work=Aljazeera|access-date=3 February 2016|date=2 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160202183407/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/02/syrian-opposition-aleppo-assault-imperils-talks-160202133941656.html|archive-date=2 February 2016|url-status=live}} notwithstanding, the Syrian government carried on with its offensive operations in the Aleppo Governorate{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKCN0VB1CQ|title=Syrian army threatens to encircle Aleppo as talks falter|work=Reuters|access-date=4 February 2016|date=3 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160203192616/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKCN0VB1CQ|archive-date=3 February 2016|url-status=live}} amidst speculations that Turkey, as well as Saudi Arabia{{cite news |last1= Schreck |first1= Adam |last2= Karam |first2= Zeina |author2-link=Zeina Karam |date= 8 February 2016 |title= Saudi offer to send troops to Syria comes with uncertainty |agency= Associated Press |access-date= 10 February 2016 |url= http://bigstory.ap.org/article/3f77bcd886294c0fba2b36867f9a522a/saudi-offer-send-troops-syria-comes-uncertainty |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160210101016/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/3f77bcd886294c0fba2b36867f9a522a/saudi-offer-send-troops-syria-comes-uncertainty |archive-date= 10 February 2016 |url-status= live }} and the United Arab Emirates,{{cite news |last= Harb |first= Malak |date= 7 February 2016 |title= UAE says it's prepared to send ground forces to Syria |url= http://bigstory.ap.org/article/597bb0b48d084da181950b01b41897b4/uae-says-its-prepared-send-ground-forces-syria |agency= Associated Press |access-date= 10 February 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160209160504/http://bigstory.ap.org/article/597bb0b48d084da181950b01b41897b4/uae-says-its-prepared-send-ground-forces-syria |archive-date= 9 February 2016 |url-status= live }} were preparing a military incursion into Syria.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-russia-turkey-syria-idUSKCN0VD1UX|title=Russia says it suspects Turkey of preparing incursion in Syria|work=Reuters|access-date=4 February 2016|date=4 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205020237/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-russia-turkey-syria-idUSKCN0VD1UX|archive-date=5 February 2016|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2016/02/04/middleeast/turkey-russia-syria-invasion-denial/|title=Turkey isn't preparing to invade Syria, source says|work=CNN|access-date=5 February 2016|date=5 February 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205092033/http://edition.cnn.com/2016/02/04/middleeast/turkey-russia-syria-invasion-denial/|archive-date=5 February 2016|url-status=live}} The Saudi announcement was welcomed by the United States.{{cite web|title = Saudi Arabia willing to send ground troops to Syria|url = http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/02/general-saudi-arabia-set-deploy-troops-syria-160205042542486.html|website = Al Jazeera English|access-date = 8 February 2016|date = 6 February 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160207213050/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/02/general-saudi-arabia-set-deploy-troops-syria-160205042542486.html|archive-date = 7 February 2016|url-status = live}} Responding to the calls for Russia to stop bombing opposition forces in Syria now that the peace talks had started, Sergey Lavrov speaking in Muscat, Oman, said Russia would not stop its air strikes until Russia defeated "such terrorist organisations as Jabhat al-Nusra and ISIL″; he also stressed the imperative that Syria's border with Turkey be secured to prevent smuggling and the movement of militants.{{cite news |url=http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-lavrov-idUKKCN0VC0SM |title=Lavrov: Russia won't stop Syria strikes until 'terrorists' defeated |publisher=Reuters |access-date=4 February 2016 |date=3 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160205021746/http://uk.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-lavrov-idUKKCN0VC0SM |archive-date=5 February 2016 |url-status=dead }}[http://newsru.com/russia/03feb2016/lavrov.html Лавров назвал условия прекращения операции РФ в Сирии] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160206115830/http://www.newsru.com/russia/03feb2016/lavrov.html |date=6 February 2016 }} NEWSru, 3 Feb 2016. Syria′s deputy prime minister Walid Muallem said that any foreign country′s ground intervention in the Syrian territory without the government's approval would be deemed an act of aggression to be confronted: "Any aggressor will be sent back to their country in wooden boxes, whether they be Saudis or Turks."[http://sana.sy/en/?p=68617 Update 1-Al-Moallem: Any intervention is an act of aggression, Syria will not comply with any precondition] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160310145951/http://sana.sy/en/?p=68617 |date=10 March 2016 }} Sana, 6 Feb 2016.[https://news.yahoo.com/syria-rebels-face-rout-allies-saudi-turkey-may-071955719.html As Syria rebels face rout, allies Saudi, Turkey may send troops] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160301115148/http://news.yahoo.com/syria-rebels-face-rout-allies-saudi-turkey-may-071955719.html |date=1 March 2016 }} AFP, 6 Feb 2016.

On 11 February, it was confirmed that the Syrian Democratic Forces based in the town of Afrin, north-west of Aleppo, had taken a series of towns, including Deir Jamal and al-Qamiya, as well as a former Menagh Military Airbase near the border with Turkey, previously taken by rebels.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKCN0VK0E8 |title=Kurdish forces said to take air base near Turkish border |publisher=Reuters |access-date=11 February 2016 |date=11 February 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010075857/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKCN0VK0E8 |archive-date=10 October 2017 |url-status=live }} In retaliation, on 13 February Turkey began a sustained campaign of shelling on SDF positions in the area of Azaz from its territory.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/13/turkey-shells-kurdish-forces-in-syria-in-retaliation-for-attack-on-border-posts|title=Turkish PM confirms shelling of Kurdish forces in Syria|newspaper=the Guardian|date=2016-02-13|access-date=17 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181016201508/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/feb/13/turkey-shells-kurdish-forces-in-syria-in-retaliation-for-attack-on-border-posts|archive-date=16 October 2018|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url= https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-shelling-idUSKCN0VN09S|title= Turkey shells northern Syria for second day: monitor|author= Staff writer(s)|date= 14 February 2016|publisher= Reuters|access-date= 18 February 2016|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160216215652/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-shelling-idUSKCN0VN09S|archive-date= 16 February 2016|url-status= live}}{{cite web|title = Turkey shells Kurdish positions in Syria for second day|url = http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/02/turkey-shells-kurdish-positions-syria-day-160214091007489.html|website = www.aljazeera.com|access-date = 2016-02-14|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20160215092516/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/02/turkey-shells-kurdish-positions-syria-day-160214091007489.html|archive-date = 15 February 2016|url-status = live}}

On 14 March 2016, Russian president Vladimir Putin announced that Russia would be pulling out the "main part" of its military in Syria. Putin also said that Russia's Khmeimim airbase will be kept to control the ceasefire agreements and that its port at Tartus would continue to operate as normal.{{cite news|work=BBC|date=14 March 2016|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35807689|title=Syria conflict: Russia's Putin orders 'main part' of forces out|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191104070203/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35807689|archive-date=4 November 2019|url-status=live}}

According to Western sources, Iran has kept only 700 IRGC advisors in Syria after the ceasefire, but this has not been confirmed. In mid-March, the Ground Forces of Islamic Republic of Iran Army indicated it would send Army commandos and snipers as military advisers to Syria and Iraq, the first formal acknowledgement by Iran of deployment of regular Iranian Army (as opposed to IRGC) forces outside Iran since the Iran–Iraq War of the 1980s.[http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941226000819 Commander: Iran to Send Commandos, Snipers to Iraq, Syria] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519062653/http://en.farsnews.com/newstext.aspx?nn=13941226000819 |date=19 May 2016 }} Fars News Agency, 16 March 2016.{{cite web|last1=Toumaj|first1=Amir|title=Iran deploys Army Special Forces to Syria and Iraq|url=http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/03/iran-deploys-army-special-forces-to-syria-and-iraq.php|website=The Long War Journal|access-date=25 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160325192901/http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2016/03/iran-deploys-army-special-forces-to-syria-and-iraq.php|archive-date=25 March 2016|url-status=live}}

Syrian government with support from Russian and Iranian forces successfully captured Palmyra from the ISIL by the end of March 2016.{{cite news|title=Syrian army, with Russian air support, advances inside Palmyra|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKCN0WR0RA|work=Reuters|date=26 March 2016|access-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215053227/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-idUSKCN0WR0RA|archive-date=15 February 2017|url-status=live}}

FSA and allied Islamist groups captured al-Ra'i from ISIS on April 8. The capture of the town secured an important supply line for the rebels from Turkey near whose border the town is located.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35993918|title=Syria war: Rebels take key northern town of al-Rai from IS|work=BBC News|date=2016-04-08|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806235741/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-35993918|archive-date=6 August 2019|url-status=live}} ISIL recaptured the town along with six villages on April 11.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-36014027|title=Syria conflict:IS retakes northern town of al-Rai from rebels|work=BBC News|date=2016-04-11|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412203732/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-36014027|archive-date=12 April 2019|url-status=live}}

By July 2016, this ceasefire had mostly unraveled and violence again escalated.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-truce-idUSKCN0ZM0PZ|title=Syrian army, rebels agree to 72-hour Eid truce, but fighting continues|date=6 July 2016|access-date=15 October 2016|publisher=Reuters|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170518222909/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-truce-idUSKCN0ZM0PZ|archive-date=18 May 2017|url-status=live}}

{{see also|U.S.–Russia peace proposals on Syria#September 2016 U.S.–Russia brokered ceasefire|September 2016 Deir ez-Zor air raid}}

On 10 September 2016, Russia and U.S. reached a deal on establishing a cease fire between the Syrian Assad government and a US-supported coalition of so-called 'mainstream Syrian opposition rebel groups'.[http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/syria-civil-war-russia-clinch-syria-deal-160910031517683.html 'Syria's civil war: US and Russia clinch ceasefire deal'] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190426104457/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2016/09/syria-civil-war-russia-clinch-syria-deal-160910031517683.html |date=26 April 2019 }}. Al Jazeera, 11 September 2016. Retrieved 26 September 2016.

This ceasefire was backed by the United States and Russia, with the understanding that – if it held for one week – Russia and the United States could begin to plan a joint mission against ISIS and al-Nusra.{{cite news|url=http://news.sky.com/story/syria-timeline-how-the-fragile-week-long-ceasefire-fell-apart-10585670|title=Syria timeline: How the fragile week-long ceasefire fell apart|date=20 September 2016|access-date=20 September 2016|publisher=Sky News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921192620/http://news.sky.com/story/syria-timeline-how-the-fragile-week-long-ceasefire-fell-apart-10585670|archive-date=21 September 2016|url-status=live}} A notable loophole in the ceasefire meant that it did not apply to attacks against "terrorist targets" – the Russian government has used claims that it was targeting terrorist elements to justify airstrikes against rebel-held areas. The ceasefire went into effect on 12 September, but was poorly adhered to, with the Syrian government continuing bombing and UN humanitarian aid delayed by security concerns and the danger to convoys.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-opposition-idUSKCN11P240|title=Syrian opposition figure says ceasefire never took hold|date=19 September 2016|access-date=20 September 2016|publisher=Reuters|author=Yara Bayoumy and John Irish|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920023921/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-opposition-idUSKCN11P240|archive-date=20 September 2016|url-status=live}}

The ceasefire suffered a further set-back 17 September 2016, when a U.S.-British airstrike that they claimed was aimed at ISIL killed 60 Syrian government soldiers, and was on 19 September declared over by the Syrian government, after an airstrike by Syrian or Russian forces hit a Syrian Arab Red Crescent warehouse, killing 14 people and destroying 18 truckloads of food.[https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37395807 Syria conflict: Russia fears collapse of ceasefire] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190530145733/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-37395807 |date=30 May 2019 }} BBC, 17 October 2016.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/19/syria-ceasefire-is-over-says-countrys-military|title=US blames Russia after UN aid convoy in Syria targeted by air attack|newspaper=The Guardian|author=Julian Borger|date=20 September 2016|access-date=20 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161015014418/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2016/sep/19/syria-ceasefire-is-over-says-countrys-military|archive-date=15 October 2016|url-status=live}} On 3 October 2016, the U.S. announced suspension of talks with Russia on implementing the agreement, marking the definitive end of the ceasefire deal.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/04/world/middleeast/us-suspends-talks-with-russia-on-syria.html|title=Tension With Russia Rises as U.S. Halts Syria Negotiations|last1=Gordon|first1=Michael R.|date=2016-10-03|last2=Kramer|first2=Andrew E.|newspaper=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331|access-date=2016-10-04|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191226095051/https://www.nytimes.com/2016/10/04/world/middleeast/us-suspends-talks-with-russia-on-syria.html|archive-date=26 December 2019|url-status=live}}[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-russia/u-s-suspends-syria-ceasefire-talks-with-russia-blames-moscow-idUSKCN1231X3 U.S. suspends Syria ceasefire talks with Russia, blames Moscow] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190611033303/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-usa-russia/u-s-suspends-syria-ceasefire-talks-with-russia-blames-moscow-idUSKCN1231X3 |date=11 June 2019 }} Reuters, 3 October 2016.

On 28 December 2016, talks between Turkey and Russia in Astana, Kazakhstan have resulted in the two states brokering a nationwide Syrian ceasefire that is due to begin at midnight on 30 December.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/28/turkey-russia-broker-ceasefire-deal-syria/|title=Turkey and Russia 'broker ceasefire deal for all of Syria'|work=AFP|date=28 December 2016|agency=Agence France-Presse|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191005070935/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2016/12/28/turkey-russia-broker-ceasefire-deal-syria/|archive-date=5 October 2019|url-status=live}} The National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces stated that it would abide with the truce.{{cite web|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/syria-says-it-has-agreed-to-nationwide-ceasefire/3655304.html|title=Nationwide Syrian Cease-fire Begins|work=VOA News|date=29 December 2016|access-date=30 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161230141622/http://www.voanews.com/a/syria-says-it-has-agreed-to-nationwide-ceasefire/3655304.html|archive-date=30 December 2016|url-status=live}} ISIL, the al-Nusra Front, and the YPG were excluded from the ceasefire, and the following rebel groups signed up for the truce:

• Sham Legion
• Ahrar al-Sham
• Jaysh al-Islam
• Free Idlib Army
• Levant Front
• Jabhat Ahl al-Sham
• Army of Mujahideen

However, the Ahrar al-Sham spokesman denied having signed the deal.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38463021|title=Syria conflict: Russia-Turkey brokered truce comes into force|work=BBC|date=30 December 2016|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190928123659/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38463021|archive-date=28 September 2019|url-status=live}}

Less than 2 hours after the ceasefire was due to be implemented, clashes erupted between the Army of Victory and government forces in the northern Hama Governorate. Rebel-held areas throughout the Idlib Governorate were also reportedly bombed.

On 31 December, several rebel groups declared the truce to be "null and void" if clashes continued.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38475830?intlink_from_url=&link_location=live-reporting-story|title=Syria conflict: UN to vote on Syria ceasefire deal|work=BBC|date=31 December 2016|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180928083843/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38475830?intlink_from_url=&link_location=live-reporting-story|archive-date=28 September 2018|url-status=live}}

On 2 January 2017, rebel groups said that they freeze talks about participation in peace conference due to ceasefire violations, referring to Wadi Barada offensive.[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-rebels-ceasefire-idUSKBN14M16Q Syrian rebels say they froze talks on Russian-backed peace conference due to ceasefire violations] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170619031000/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-rebels-ceasefire-idUSKBN14M16Q |date=19 June 2017 }} Reuters. 2 January 2017

According to the United Nations on 6 January 2017, the ceasefire is "largely holding".{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38528654|title=Syria conflict: Russia 'withdrawing aircraft carrier group'|work=BBC|date=6 January 2017|access-date=2 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217045336/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-38528654|archive-date=17 December 2019|url-status=live}}

On 14 February 2017, the cease-fire between Assad forces and rebels collapsed throughout the country, leading to fresh clashes in various locations and a fresh rebel offensive in Daraa.

The third meeting of the Astana Process talks concluded in Astana on 25 March 2017.{{cite news|title=Syria meeting in Astana|url=http://astanatimes.com/2017/03/kazakhstan-welcomes-results-of-syria-meeting-in-astana-as-russia-iran-and-turkey-issue-joint-statement/|publisher=The Astana Times|access-date=19 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170319193130/http://astanatimes.com/2017/03/kazakhstan-welcomes-results-of-syria-meeting-in-astana-as-russia-iran-and-turkey-issue-joint-statement/|archive-date=19 March 2017|url-status=live}} All parties that participated remained committed to the ceasefire agreement in place from the second round of Astana talks.

On 4 May 2017, Russia, Iran, and Turkey signed an agreement in Astana to create four "de-escalation zones" in Syria. The four zones include the Idlib Governorate, the northern rebel-controlled parts of the Homs Governorate, the rebel-controlled eastern Ghouta, and the Jordan–Syria border. The agreement was rejected by some rebel groups,{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/04/world/middleeast/russia-iran-turkey-syria-de-escalation-zones.html?smpr&_r=0|title=Russia Reaches Deal for Syria Safe Zones, but Some Rebels Scoff|work=The New York Times|author=ANNE BARNARD and RICK|date=4 May 2017|access-date=5 May 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730064754/https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/04/world/middleeast/russia-iran-turkey-syria-de-escalation-zones.html?smpr&_r=0|archive-date=30 July 2017|url-status=live}} and the Democratic Union Party also denounced the deal, saying that the ceasefire zones are "dividing Syria up on a sectarian basis". The ceasefire came into effect on 6 May.{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-pyd-idUSKBN1811PZ|title=Syrian Kurdish PYD denounces Syria deal for 'de-escalation zones'|work=Reuters|date=5 May 2017|access-date=2 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170508062332/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-pyd-idUSKBN1811PZ|archive-date=8 May 2017|url-status=live}}

On 9 July 2017, an open-ended cease-fire in southern Syria brokered by the United States, Russia, and Jordan went into effect.{{Cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/syria-cease-fire-goes-into-effect-in-southern-part-of-country/|title=Syria cease-fire goes into effect in southern part of country|date=2017-07-09|work=Fox News|access-date=2017-07-10|language=en-US|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171124114208/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/07/09/cease-fire-in-southern-syria-goes-into-effect.html|archive-date=24 November 2017|url-status=live}} The ceasefire covered the governorates of Daraa, Suwayda and Quneitra.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/09/us-russian-ceasefire-holding-in-southwest-syria-say-rebel-sources|title=US-Russia ceasefire holding in southwest Syria, say rebel sources|date=2017-07-09|work=The Guardian|access-date=2017-07-23|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190918035227/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/jul/09/us-russian-ceasefire-holding-in-southwest-syria-say-rebel-sources|archive-date=18 September 2019|url-status=live}} The deal was hailed as the first attempt by the U.S. Trump administration at peacemaking in the Syrian civil war.[https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ceasefire/partial-ceasefire-deal-reached-in-syria-in-trumps-first-peace-effort-idUSKBN19S2DG Partial ceasefire deal reached in Syria, in Trump's first peace effort] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190409204129/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-mideast-crisis-syria-ceasefire/partial-ceasefire-deal-reached-in-syria-in-trumps-first-peace-effort-idUSKBN19S2DG |date=9 April 2019 }} Reuters, 7 July 2017.

According to 21 July 2017 report by Fox News, the ceasefire was mainly holding, albeit with flaws.{{cite news|url=https://www.foxnews.com/world/syria-ceasefire-brokered-by-us-russia-holding-but-with-flaws-tricks-in-play|title=Syria ceasefire brokered by US, Russia holding, but with flaws, 'tricks' in play|first=Hollie|last=McKay|publisher=Fox News|date=20 July 2017|access-date=23 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170724034208/http://www.foxnews.com/world/2017/07/20/syria-ceasefire-brokered-by-us-russia-holding-but-with-flaws-tricks-in-play.html|archive-date=24 July 2017|url-status=live}}

In early October 2017, Heather Nauert of U.S. Department of State said the ceasefire ″[wa]s still holding″.[https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2017/10/274630.htm#SYRIA Department Press Briefing - October 4, 2017] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190511212916/https://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/dpb/2017/10/274630.htm#SYRIA |date=11 May 2019 }} U.S. Department of State, 4 October 2017.

The ceasefire collapsed in late November 2024 after the Southern Operations Room started an uprising in southern Syria and an offensive towards Damascus amidst the Syrian opposition offensives leading to the fall of the Assad regime.{{Cite web |date=2024-12-06 |title=Southern Operations Room Opens Fronts in Daraa as CMO Advances |url=https://levant24.com/news/2024/12/southern-operations-room-opens-fronts-in-daraa-as-cmo-advances/ |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20241208002900/https://levant24.com/news/2024/12/southern-operations-room-opens-fronts-in-daraa-as-cmo-advances/ |archive-date=2024-12-08 |access-date=2024-12-10 |website=levant24 |language=en-US}}

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{{Syrian Civil War}}

Category:Ceasefires

Ceasefires