A Russian-negotiated cease-fire took effect on Wednesday in a turbulent southern city, pursuant to the Syrian opposition and state media.

Violence in the area in last weeks between government forces and opposition fighters had threatened to undo years of relative calm along the borders with Israel and Jordan.

As part of the deal, Russian military police are increasing in Daraa al-Balad, the insurgent -held old quarter of Daraa city in southern Syria. The deal also includes the disarming or expulsion of a dozen insurgent fighters from the area who were considered by the Syrian government to be a threat to the cease-fire agreement, The Britain-based war monitor Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reported.

Adnan Masalmeh, an opposition involved in the talks, said the deal also ensures an end to the blockades imposed on Daraa city since violence erupted.

Syrian state-run Al-Ikhbariyah TV said a center has been set up for opposition gunmen to hand in their weapons or register to leave the area. Most of those who choose leaving end up heading to the northern enclave still controlled by opposition and militant fighters.

Fighting in Daraa al-Balad has broken out for weeks, leaving dozens of fighters and government troops dead and sending many residents fleeing.

The opposition blamed the government for the escalation, saying that troops were pressing an attack to force rebels to give up.

Russia has been brokering a new deal to end the last fighting. As part of the deal, government police and allied militias were expected to enter Daraa al-Balad after the departure of the hardcore opposition gunmen. Other rebels who accept the deal would have to hand over their weapons in return for amnesty.