Syrian President Bashar al-Assad  (second left) (Photo: Reuters)

 A Syrian defense ministry official declared on Wednesday the halt of military operations in Syrian cities as of Thursday. Syrian forces would remain alert to retaliate against any attack launched by armed terrorist groups against civilians, law-enforcement agents or troops and against all public and private properties in order to protect the security of the homeland and citizens. The announcement came in compliance with a deadline set by the United Nations for a ceasefire brokered by UN-Arab League special envoy Kofi Annan.  Annan said Wednesday that he had been informed by the Syrian government that a cessation of all military fighting across Syria will go into effect on Thursday. Annan will continue his coordination with the Syrian government regarding implementation of the cease-fire plan.