Air strikes, clashes test fragile Syria truce deal

September 16, 2016 21:45

Air strikes and clashes tested a fragile ceasefire in Syria today as civilians waited for aid and the UN Security Council was to discuss whether to endorse the US-Russian truce.

The accord has been billed as the "last chance" to end the five-year war but it has been marred by a lack of aid deliveries, sporadic violence and friction between Moscow and Washington.

Russia, a key backer of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, said it was ready to extend the truce set to expire later today by 72 hours, despite accusing the United States and rebels of not fulfilling the deal.

"We are prepared to extend the cessation of hostilities for a further 72 hours," senior Russian officer Viktor Poznikhir said.

UN Security Council members were to meet at 2130 GMT for closed-door consultations, diplomats said, after Russia's envoy to the United Nations said Moscow wanted a UN resolution to endorse the deal.

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