THE Syrian army launched its offensive to encircle various rebel and insurgent groups in Aleppo city yesterday, as a limited transnational ceasefire deal was announced in Germany.

Representatives from the 20-nation International Syria Support Group (ISSG) did not emerge from Thursday’s meeting until after midnight and then only to announce a temporary “cessation of hostilities” in a week’s time.

The Syrian air force dropped leaflets on the key town of Hratayn, adjoining Aleppo to the north, warning residents of the coming siege and urging militants to surrender.