Syrian army declares ceasefire in Eastern Ghouta area

The Syrian military announced a cessation of hostilities in the Eastern Ghouta region just outside the capital Damascus, which it said began at 12:00 p.m. local time (0900 GMT) on Saturday, according to state television.

"Cessation of fighting activities in several areas of Eastern Ghouta ... any violation will be responded to appropriately," it said.

The statement came hours after Russia's Defense Ministry signed a deal with moderate Syrian rebels at peace talks in Cairo which aimed at hammering out consensus on a de-escalation zone in Eastern Ghouta, including details on the zone's boundaries, channels to deliver humanitarian aid and corridors for free movement of civilians.