Russia halts airstrikes against IS, Jabhat al-Nusra in Syria

Military official says move comes in order to ‘avoid any possible mistakes’ as ceasefire agreement takes effect

By VLADIMIR ISACHENKOV 27 February 2016, 12:59 pm

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In this Oct. 22, 2015 file photo, a Russian Su-24 takes off on a combat mission at Hmeimim airbase in Syria. (AP Photo/Vladimir Isachenkov, File)

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia has grounded its warplanes in Syria to help secure a ceasefire brokered by Moscow and Washington that entered into force Saturday, a top military official said.

Lt.-Gen. Sergei Rudskoi of the General Staff of Russia’s military said that while Russia will continue airstrikes against the Islamic State group and al-Qaeda’s branch in Syria, Jabhat al-Nusra, it is keeping its aircraft on the ground for now “to avoid any possible mistakes.”

Rudskoi said that 17 opposition units have contacted the Russian military to adhere to the truce that became effective at midnight local time.

He said the Russian military had established hotlines to exchange information with the US military in order to help monitor the cease-fire and quickly respond to any conflict situations.

Rudskoi said that Russia has given the US maps showing the location of opposition groups pledging to abide by the cease-fire as well as IS and al-Nusra units. He said 74 opposition units including more than 6,100 fighters have agreed to adhere to the truce.

The US, in its turn, also has provided the Russian Defense Ministry with similar maps and its own list of opposition units, which have agreed to respect the cease-fire.

Rudskoi said that according to the US-Russian agreements, a rebel unit that accidentally comes under attack should contact Russian or US representatives who would quickly resolve the incident.

A coordination center at the Hemeimeem air base in Syria’s coastal province of Latakia where Russian warplanes are based has 61 officers, who negotiate with groups willing to join the cease-fire and coordinate the deliveries of humanitarian aid.