Syrian Truce Enters Third Day

A member of the Free Syrian Army fires at a sniper as he runs for cover during clashes with pro-government forces in Harem in the Idlib Governorate on October 25.

A truce in Syria between the government and rebels has entered a third day.

The first two days, however, have been marred by numerous violations by both sides.

Activists say at least 70 people were killed on October 27 as government troops and rebels battled in several areas in the country, including Aleppo, Deir al-Zar, and suburbs of the capital, Damascus.

Reports said a Syrian warplane flattened a building in the Arbeen suburb of Damascus, killing at least eight men.

On October 25, 150 people were reported killed in violence.

The four-day truce was brokered by the international envoy on Syria, Lakhdar Brahimi, as a step toward ending the 19-month-old conflict, which has left tens of thousands dead.

A cease-fire in April ended in failure.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters