Damascus: The Syrian army said it will suspend military operations to
mark the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, declaring a cease-fire from Friday
morning to Monday.
The army added that it reserves the right to respond to
rebel attacks and bombings.
In a televised announcement
read on late Thursday, the Syrian military said it will act if "terrorist
groups [are] trying to reinforce their positions by arming themselves and
getting reinforcements."
It also warned neighboring countries against facilitating
the smuggling of fighters across borders during that period.
A commander for the
rebel Free Syrian Army said his fighters would commit to the truce, but would
respond to any attacks.
Both sides have violated previous cease-fires after
agreeing to them. However, an Islamist group active in Syria, Ansar al-Islam,
is reported to have said that its fighters will not commit to the truce.