Syrian army to reportedly stop operations Thursday, defense ministry source says

March 27, 2012: U.N.- Arab League envoy to Syria Kofi Annan arrives at the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs for talks in Beijing, China. (AP)

Syria's government army will stop operations Thursday morning, according to a Syrian TV report which cites a Syria defense ministry source, Reuters reports.

The source reportedly told the TV station that the army will remain on alert to confront "any assault" by armed groups.

Special envoy Kofi Annan says the Syrian government has also informed him that it will halt all fighting by the Thursday deadline, Reuters reports.