Syria declares unilateral three-day cease-fire in civil war

The Syrian military declared a unilateral three-day cease-fire Wednesday, bringing another temporary halt to a civil war that has raged for more than five years, killed hundreds of thousands and sent millions of refugees fleeing the country.

It is not clear what impact the cease-fire, reported by the Associated Press, would have on combat operations inside the country, where a U.S.-led coalition continues to battle Islamic State forces, primarily in the northeast.

Russian aircraft and other forces have been supporting the regime of Bashar Assad, who also is battling Islamic State militants — as well as U.S-trained rebels.

In February, the United States and Russia declared a “cessation of hostilities” that did not include operations against the Islamic State or the Nusra Front, an al-Qaeda affiliate. It led to several weeks of reduced violence but ultimately fell apart and intense fighting resumed.

The new Syrian announcement made no mention of whether the latest cease-fire also would exclude those terrorist groups.

The announcement coincides with the start of Muslim Eid al-Fitr holidays, which mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Russia says its warplanes are targeting the terrorists, but the U.S. alleges that Russia is attacking all enemies of Assad to prop up his regime. The Obama administration wants the Syrian president to step down and allow for a political transition that might end the civil war.