Syrian army 'responding to rebel ceasefire violations'

The Syrian army said on Friday it was responding to attacks by armed rebels that were in violation of a temporary ceasefire agreed for a four-day Muslim holiday. "Armed terrorist groups attacked military positions, thereby clearly violating the halt to military operations agreed by the army command. Our valiant armed forces are responding to these violations and pursuing these groups," the military said in a statement read on state television. The military said rebel attacks had taken place against its positions in Deir Ezzor, Daraa, Idlib and in the Damascus region. The Syrian army had said it would cease military operations from Friday morning to Monday for the Eid al-Adha holiday, but warned it would react if "armed terrorist groups" carry out attacks or reinforce their positions, or if fighters cross into the country.