Russia says Syrian forces cease fire in Idlib province

Syrian government forces have unilaterally ceased fire in the northern Idlib province, the last major rebel stronghold, Russia said Sunday, while opposition activists reported continued shelling and airstrikes.

In a brief statement on Sunday, the Russian Defense Ministry’s Center for Reconciliation of the Warring Sides in Syria said government forces had ceased fire as of midnight.

Fighting erupted in Idlib late last month, effectively shattering a ceasefire negotiated by Russia and Turkey that had been in place since September.