U.S.-Russian ceasefire takes effect in southwest Syria

BEIRUT, July 9 (Reuters) - A ceasefire deal for southwestern Syria took effect at noon (0900 GMT) on Sunday, the latest international attempt at peacemaking in the country's six-year war.

The United States, Russia and Jordan reached a ceasefire and "de-escalation agreement" on Friday meant to halt fighting between Syrian government forces and rebel groups in the southwest. (Reporting by Ellen Francis; Editing by Janet Lawrence)