DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Russia's military says a fragile cease-fire in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo has been extended for 72 hours and is now in effect until 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday (2101GMT Monday).

The Russian Defense Ministry statement early Saturday says the extension was made at Moscow's initiative and would also apply to the Latakia region.

Russia and the U.S. last week reached an agreement to extend Syria's cease-fire to Aleppo. The Syrian military said it would last only 48 hours.

The Russian military accused the Syrian al-Qaida affiliate, known as the Nusra Front, of attempting to destroy the cease-fire by carrying out attacks on Aleppo and trying to impose a blockade on the city from the south.

The Nusra Front and the Islamic State group are not included in the cease-fire.