Hundreds of Syrian opposition-controlled protesters storm Bab al-Hawa and Atmeh border-crossings with Turkey

Idlib – North-Press Agency  

The Russian Reconciliation Center announced the start of a ceasefire truce in Idlib and its surroundings, in conjunction with the breaking through of hundreds of demonstrators at the gate of Atmeh border-crossing with Turkey, following the appointment of a governor of Khan Shaykhun by the Syrian government. 

The truce is expected to be implemented by the Syrian government at 4 a.m. on Saturday, amid calls from the Russian Reconciliation Center for the Syrian armed opposition groups to take part in the proposed ceasefire. 

Meanwhile, the Syrian government authorities have named a governor for the city of Khan Shaykhun, a director of al-Tamanah district, a chair for Damascus-Aleppo Highway police station, a district director for Heesh, a chair for the Criminal Security Center in Khan Shaykhun and a district officer, after days of taking control over the area in southern Idlib countryside.

While hundreds of raged young protesters in Atmeh bordering area with Turkey broke through the gate of the border-crossing and entered the Turkish side, while the Turkish border guards mobilized their forces to prevent the protesters to continue their march into the Turkish territories.  

Media apparatus quoted that Turkish President Erdogan said that the Turkish troops at the 12 observation points inside Syria are on alert and that the developments in Idlib are unacceptable. 

The ceasefire comes in the de-escalation zones in northwestern Syria, following widespread military advancement by the Syrian army and affiliate groups in the town of Khan Shaykhun, the town of al-Tamanah, southern Idlib countryside and northern Hama. 

The ceasefire truce follows a visit by the Turkish President Erdogan to Moscow, while Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said hours ago that the continued attacks in Idlib could cause “another massive wave of Syrian refugees towards Europe”.