At least 135 dead in the week since the Syria truce came into effect
A human rights watch group said more than 500 people have died in parts of the country not covered by the ceasefire agreement.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights on Saturday said at least 135 people have died in the week since an uneasy truce was agreed to in Syria. This includes 32 civilians, 45 “rebel and Islamic fighters”, at least 25 soldiers fighting for President Bashar al-Assad, and 27 members of the Syrian Kurdish Forces. The figures are for the period between between February 27 and March 5.
The ceasefire was not extended to all areas, however, and at least 552 people have died in the parts left out. Despite the significant toll though, the violence in the area has reduced and more aid packages have reached the people, Al Jazeera reported. According to the United Nations, at least 500,000 of those living under siege are out of reach for aid organisations.
Peace talks brokered by the UN have been scheduled for next Wednesday in Switzerland. Syria has been grappling with a multi-pronged civil war for the last five years, made worse by the involvement of various international fronts, each with different interests and loyalties. At least 270,000 have died in the war so far and millions have been forced to flee the country.