1st LD: Mortar shelling in Aleppo as Syria truce in effect

Two mortar shells landed in government-controlled area in Aleppo city in northern Syria on Tuesday, 16 hours after a nationwide truce went into force.

Two mortars hit near a compound of security forces close to the Saad Allah Jabiri Square, the main square in Aleppo city.

The rattling sound of shelling on the government-held area was heard by two Xinhua reporters, who were close to the square.

The few people who were passing through the square took cover in building entrances, in an anticipation of another wave of attack.

The fresh attack hit as a nationwide ceasefire went into effect at 7:00 p.m. local time Monday.

State news agency SANA said the rebels in Aleppo fired three mortars and snipper shots on Monday evening after the commencement of the ceasefire.

It also accused the rebels in central Homs city of violating the truce, by firing machine guns on military positions, northwest of Homs.

The military ceasefire declaration comes as part of the recent deal between Russia and the United States.

The U.S. and Russia announced a landmark agreement Saturday on a nationwide ceasefire in Syria, which would commence with the start of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha.

The week-long truce also includes improving humanitarian aid access and a joint military operation against banned terrorist groups.

All attacks and airstrikes will be stopped and unobstructed access will be allowed to besieged areas, including the northern city of Aleppo, according to the truce.

The Syrian government said it welcomes the deal between both the superpowers. Endit