Syrian Defense Ministry announces ceasefire in Aleppo neighborhoods

Syria's defence ministry declared a ceasefire in three neighbourhoods of the northern city of Aleppo early on Friday, a move that could halt fresh fighting between government troops and Kurdish fighters.

"A ceasefire is to take effect in the vicinity of the Sheikh Maqsoud, Ashrafiyah, and Bani Zaid neighbourhoods in the city of Aleppo, starting at 03:00 a.m. after midnight," the defence ministry said in a statement.
"Armed groups in the neighbourhoods are requested to leave the area starting at 03:00 a.m. after midnight. The deadline expires at 09:00 a.m. on Friday."