Syrian regime forces on Thursday entered opposition-held parts in the southern city of Daraa, dubbed the “birthplace” for the anti-regime revolution given that Syrian protests first broke out there in the spring of 2011. Eyewitnesses said regime vehicles accompanied by Russian military police entered Daraa to raise a national flag near the post office, the only remaining government building in rebel-controlled part of the city. It is worth noting that Syrian rebels have taken control over the city since 2011. For seven years since then, the war has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives and displaced more than half of the countrys population. Thursday reports said an agreement had been reached between the regime and the armed opposition factions under the condition that the latter turns in weapons in their possession. Opposition fighters count on the Russian military police to prevent any regime retaliations or vengeful violence. The arrangement also sees that the regime keeps from opposition area, especially after many complaints of looting and arrests in other towns in the province of Daraa emerged post regime regain of control. The regime currently controls about 80 percent of the Daraa governorate, and factions hold control over about 15 percent. Meanwhile, terror group ISIS took control over a village where opposition factions undertook negotiations with regime forces in southern Syria. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human rights, at least 30 fighters were killed in fierce clashes pitting Syrian rebels and ISIS terrorists. A rebel official told Reuters negotiations were proceeding smoothly, with the Russians so far abiding by the terms of a deal that includes weapons handovers, evacuation of rebels opposed to the deal and return of state sovereignty. "Everyone is committed to the agreements," said rebel official Abu Jihad, adding rebels had already begun since late Wednesday handing over their heavy weapons. A convoy of Russian military police was expected to enter the devastated area later on Thursday, in the first such deployment inside the enclave where they were expected to set up observation posts and perform security checks. Rebels are pinning hopes on the Russian military police to prevent the army from taking revenge and entering certain areas after complaints of widespread looting and some arrests in other towns in Daraa province they have gained control over. "There is a guarantee by the Russians that the army will not enter Daraa al Balad," said Abu Bayan, a leader of a rebel faction in the city, referring to the name of the area.