BEIRUT, Sept 11 (Reuters) - Syrian rebel factions will issue
a statement welcoming the U.S.-Russian deal for a ceasefire and aid deliveries
in Syria but with reservations about the handling of violations by the
government side, a rebel official said on Sunday.
Fierce fighting and air strikes continued in several parts
of Syria a day before the humanitarian truce comes into effect, Syrian state
television, rebel groups and a war monitor said.
“The factions welcome a ceasefire and welcome the incoming
of aid, but have reservations about some points... what are the sanctions if
the regime doesn’t abide by it?” said Zakaria Malahifji of the Aleppo-based
rebel group Fastaqim.
Rebel groups believed they are treated unfairly by the deal
and complain they were not consulted about it, Malahifji said. “A big part of
the agreement serves the regime and doesn’t apply pressure on it and doesn’t
serve the Syrian people,” he added.
The ceasefire will not apply to the jihadist groups Islamic
State or Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, previously known as the Nusra Front until it
broke formal allegiance to al Qaeda and changed its name.
The U.S. on Saturday warned insurgents they would face “dire
consequences” if they cooperate with Jabhet Fatah al-Sham, which fought
alongside a range of mainstream and Islamist rebel groups during intense
battles in recent weeks in southern Aleppo.
More air strikes hit Aleppo and Idlib province on Sunday
after scores of people were killed in aerial bombardment on Saturday.
One strike in the town of Saraqeb hit a civil defense center
where civilian rescuers are based, injuring several, the Syrian Observatory for
Human Rights, a U.K.-based monitor of the war said.
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