The Syrian government says it has stopped military operations against antigovernment rebels.

Syria’s state-run TV station quoted an anonymous Defense Ministry official as saying that military operations against antigovernment rebels ceased nationwide on Thursday morning.

The official said the Syrian government made the decision after government forces successfully quelled the acts of terrorist groups. But he still warned that the Syrian military will immediately retaliate if terrorist organizations attack citizens.

The opposition camp claims that government forces are showing no sign of ceasing attacks on antigovernment rebels, adding that the Syrian government announced the decision after 14 civilians were killed in a massive government offensive.