Shelling near reporters in Syria shows limits of truce

KINSIBBA, Syria — A series of artillery shells exploded near the main street of a Syrian village close to the border with Turkey on Tuesday, sending a group of visiting international reporters running for cover and underscoring the limits of Syria’s partial cease-fire.

The shelling came as Syrian President Bashar Assad said in an interview with German television that rebels who lay down their arms can expect a “full amnesty.”

According to excerpts released by the channel, he replied: “Just to give up your armament, whether you want to join the political process or (are) not interested about the political process.”

Assad has made similar gestures in the past, but opposition and rebel groups have rejected such offers saying he has no role to play in the future of Syria.

The journalists were visiting the government-controlled village of Kinsibba, in the coastal province of Latakia, on a trip organized by Russia’s defense and foreign ministries.