It took almost three years, but the Islamist rebels and the National Defense Forces (NDF) have finally agreed to implement a permanent ceasefire in the Damascus suburb of Al-Qudsiyah, which is expected to take effect next week.
According to a military source in Damascus, the Syrian Reconciliation Committee – led by Dr. Ali Haidar – facilitated the agreement between the National Defense Forces and Free Syrian Army (FSA) inside Al-Qudsiyah; however, it was often prolonged due to the FSA’s insistence to be transferred to the Dara’a Governorate.
The National Defense Forces’ leadership agreed to lift the siege on Al-Qudsiyah after the rebel leadership accepted the terms of the ceasefire, which included the surrender of all heavy weaponry to the civilian-led militiamen and the reopening of streets to allow for residents to return home.