(VOVworld)- A nationwide ceasefire in Syria brokered by Russia and Turkey took effect on Thursday at midnight.

Syrians in Aleppo. (Photo: EPA/VNA)

The Syrian Government and 7 rebel groups have agreed to a nationwide truce followed by peace talks aimed at ending the six-year conflict. International analysts say it might be an important milestone in the fight in Syria.

Earlier the Syrian army announced it will halt all military operations after the Syrian government and opposition signed a ceasefire which does not include the Islamic State or al Qaeda's Nusra Front. In a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Syrian President Bashar Al Assad expressed his readiness to respect the ceasefire. Both leaders agreed to organize negotiations on Syria’s future in the Kazakhstan capital of Astana.